Wisconsin's National Prestige
1. 2011 is a make or break year for the Wisconsin football program and its national brand. Following two Rose Bowl wins in 1999 and 2000, the school returned to mediocrity going eleven years without winning a Big Ten title. The Ohio State's of the world do not do this. The reason they secure the recruits and garner the national attention they do, is because they (cheat) win and win consistently- 6 Big Ten titles in a row type consistency. Wisconsin has a 2010 title, and is coming off a Rose Bowl birth. They return arguably the most talented RB tandem in the country, another stout offensive line, a veteran defensive backfield, and now are bringing in an experienced QB. Expectations for Bucky are high in 2011, a trip to Indianapolis for the the inaugural Big Ten Championship may be necessary for Wisconsin to capitalize on the momentum they have accumulated and end the Buckeyes decade-long reign as champions of the conference. Perhaps then, the words "Wisconsin" and "national title contender" will not sound so foreign when used in the same sentence.
Momentum Building for Bucky's Showdown with the Cornhuskers at Camp Randall
2. On the topic of momentum, excitement in Madison is already mounting for Bucky's October 1st meeting with Nebraska, the Cornhuskers first game as a member of the Big Ten conference. 21,000 ticket reservations have been taken in Lincoln for 3,000 available tickets at Camp Randall, but thousands of ticket-less fans are excepted to make the journey to Madison if only to take part in the tailgating atmosphere. The many connections that link the two schools have increased excitement for the game including Berry Alvarez's history as a Cornhusker, the two school's relative proximity, similar atmospheres, and extensive fan-bases. The fact that both schools could very well be undefeated heading into the historic contest also add to the game's prime-time feel.
Wisconsin's Favorable Schedule
3. Wisconsin's schedule stacks up in their favor for another Rose Bowl run. Similar to last season, the Badgers play five of their first six contests at home including the Thursday night season opener against UNLV. This match in particular will provide a valuable learning experience for players like offensive tackle's Travis Frederick and Josh Ogelsby stepping into new roles, players returning from injury such as Chris Borland, and QB Russell Wilson making his Camp Randall debut. Two high profile contests, Nebraska and Penn State, are at home and two are on the road- Michigan State and Ohio State. Likewise, the two contests between the other schools touted as being Wisconsin's competition in the Leaders Division are split between home (Penn State) and away (Ohio State).
Experience at the QB Gives the Badgers the Edge Amongst the Other "Leaders"
4. With the addition of Russell Wilson, Wisconsin now finds themselves with the most experienced quarterback in the Leaders Division. While Kirk Cousins, Dan Persa, Taylor Martinez, and Denard Robinson will play in the Legends Division the competition in the Legends Division comes down to whoever will be named the staters at both Ohio State and Penn State (with all do respect to Illinois, Indiana, and Purdue). At Penn State, sophomore Rob Bolden lost the starting job to junior Matt McGolin midway through last last season. Goldin then threw five interceptions in the Outback Bowl. The situation at Ohio State is more murky with the competition boiling down to Senior Joe Bauserman, a career backup who has thrown 47 passes at the collegiate level, and true freshman Braxton Miller, a dual threat player similar to Pryor that- while he participated in spring practie- has never played a down of college football.
Can a Badger Be the Best in the Nation?
5. Three Badgers (Running backs Montee Ball and JamesWhite, and quarterback Russell Wilson) landed amongst the 66 players named to the Maxwell award watch list. The Maxwell Award and the Heisman Trophy are awarded annually to the best player in college football, but who amongst the three touted Badgers stands the best chance of landing the nation's most prestigious post-season awards? Junior Montee Ball broke out last season rushing for 996 yards (6.1 ypc) and 18 TD’s last season, and sophomore James White lead the team with 1,052 yards and 14 touchdowns in his freshmen year. QB Russell Wilson, however, stands the best chance of securing the hardware because the high profile nature of his signing has already propelled him into the national spotlight. Additionally, as far as the Heisman Trophy is considered, nine of the past eleven winners have all been quarterbacks. If he puts up the numbers like he did last year, while leading the Badgers to a BCS game, than expect him to at least make the Heisman shortlist. Wilson's passing numbers from 2010 (3,568 yards and 28 TD's) stack up well in comparison to those of previous Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton (2,854 yards and 30 TD’s). However, Newton ran for 20 TD's and 1,473 yards to Wilson’s 9 rushing TD’s and 435 yards. Newton's numbers were historically high, however, and Wilson would not be expected to replicate his performance in order to be considered for both the Maxwell Award and Heisman Trophy.
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