2010 NCAA Football Preview: The Wisconsin Badgers
When you have played over 1000 games, it is safe to say that your program has been around for a while, especially when you just play ten to fourteen games a season. The Wisconsin Badgers have an all-time record of 614-465-53.
Camp Randall Stadium is the fourth oldest stadium in college football, built back in 1917. Their first game was much earlier than that, in 1889. However, the first win would not come until the second season on record, a 106-0 win over the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (easily the biggest victory in school history). The school’s biggest loss came the following week against Minnesota.
For the Badgers, the history runs long and deep. There are few programs that have a history and tradition quite like they do. In 2009, that history and tradition continued with a 10-3 season topped off with a win over Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl.
Finishing in the top 25 is always the goal of every team, and with a 10-3 record, the Badgers did just that. Going into 2010 they have a strong team returning, one that should not have too much trouble getting back to ten wins again.
Offence
The better a team is at ball control, the more likely they are to win the ball game. With the people the Wisconsin Badgers have on offense coming back, that is something that they should excel at.
An experienced offensive line comes back ready to control the most important area on the field, the line of scrimmage. One side of the line was good enough to be given all conference honors in 2009, tackle Gabe Carimi and guard John Moffitt (both seniors). Kevin Zeitler and Jake Bscherer return to play the guard and tackle on the other side of the ball with sophomore Peter Konz holding down the center position in the middle.
Ready to churn out some yards are running backs John Clay, Zach Brown, and Montee Ball. The 6 foot 2, 247 pound Clay carried the ball 287 times in 2009 for 1517 yards and 18 touchdowns. Brown and Ball looked good in limited time in 2009; both will see time primarily in relief of Clay. With the talent they have returning, the Badger running game could easily improve on their 15th place finish in rushing offence in 2009.
Quarterback Scott Tolzien has been an efficient passer for the team. They average only slightly more in passing per game than they do rushing, but then again, if you rush as well as they do you only need to pass to keep the other team honest. In 2009, he threw 211 completions out of 328 attempts for 2705 yards and 18 touchdowns. Tolzien is a better than average game manager.
Defence
The defensive line was the pride of this unit in 2009, ranking 5th in the nation in rush defence. Only one returner comes back in 2010, junior J.J. Watt. Looking to get time on the line will be sophomores Brendan Kelly and David Gilbert, as well as junior Patrick Butrym. Defensive coordinator Dave Doeren will have his work cut out for him getting the new faces to perform even close to the level as last year’s line.
The linebackers should help maintain the rushing defense until the new players can get adjusted to playing full-time. Chris Borland started as a freshman, making 56 tackles and even returning a hand full of kicks. Culmer St. Jean will hold down the middle linebacker spot, where he made 63 tackles last season.
In 2010, the strength of the defence will likely be the secondary. Three starters return from the 2009 squad that ranked 55th in the nation. After a year’s worth of experience playing together, the group will be much better. All conference strong safety Jay Valai returns and will be joined by Aaron Henry at the free safety position.
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