Skinny - Wisconsin had been a top contender in the Big Ten for a few years, but coach Bret Bielema's team has gotten worse each season he's been there after going 12-1 his first season and instilling a state of excitement in Badger nation. One of the problems for Wisconsin has been living up to expectations and quarterback play. Dustin Sherer was less than stellar at quarterback last season after he took over Allan Evridge's position. Evridge was supposed to be a solid two year starter after transferring in from Kansas State, but got beat out by Tyler Donovan in an interesting quarterback race to replace John Stocco and lost his job last season to Sherer after Donovan graduated. Sherer was less than stellar and could lose his job before the season starts to a host of candidates. Coach Bielema stated the other day that up to four people are in the race to start. Curt Phillips looks like the obvious pick for the future and will probably have the job at some point this season. John Clay replaces PJ Hill and may actually be an upgrade. The defense is decent but they don't exactly play the most efficient offenses either. Wisconsin won't be very good this season and will probably repeat last year's 7-6 performance.
Strength - Running Back
John Clay wasn't the starter last year but he ran for 884 yards and 9 TDs in a backup role to PJ Hill. His 5.7 ypc was better than Hill's and Clay's potential is a lot higher. Most teams hope to replace people like Hill with adequate players, but Clay could actually bolster the position. Zach Brown moves from third string to second team this season and is a solid backup option for the Badgers. The quarterback situation in very unsettled in Madison, but the receivers should ease the pain to a degree and the offensive line will be solid, so all the pressure shouldn't be on the running backs even though Wisconsin will heavily rely on the run game if they want to win a few games in Big Ten play this season.
Weakness - Quarterback Play
Dustin Sherer played half of last season after replacing a failed transfer player in Allan Evridge. Sherer didn't play all that great and the quarterback position was opened up in the spring. Curt Phillips is probably the long term answer for the Badgers as a redshirt freshman, but he has yet to seize the position and uncertainty could plague them all season. Scott Tolzien presents another horse in the race, but the chance he wins the job is very low. Wisconsin had a decent offense last season in terms of production overall, but they struggled mightily in the 6 defeats and strong performances against Marshall and Indiana can't overshadow the struggles experienced.
Key Game - 10/3/09 @Minnesota
The Minnesota game follows a difficult Big Ten opener against Michigan State. Wisconsin plays at Ohio State and against Iowa the following weeks and will be in danger of a 0-4 start in Big Ten play if they can't steal one at Minnesota. An 0-4 start would be devastating, especially since Wisconsin will have a chance to win all 4 of the next games with the toughest being at Northwestern to close Big Ten play. Wisconsin catches a huge break in conference play missing both Penn State and Illinois and as a result could finish better in terms of win/loss record in the Big Ten than they should.
Key Player - Curt Phillips
Dustin Sherer had his opportunity last season and unless he has a huge senior season, the Badgers should turn to the young gun Phillips at some point in the season. Phillips has a couple things going for him. He was a more highly rated player coming out of high school (but star gazing means nothing in the end), he is more athletic than his peers and could present a better option for Wisonsins offense, and he performed well on the scout team last season and will be the quarterback of the future for the Badgers. Phillips doesn't have to be the staple of the offense, that's the job of John Clay, but he has to be a steady game manager and help his team to victory like John Stocco did a few years ago.
Impact Freshman - Jordan Kohout
Predicted Big Ten finish - 9th
Top 5 Players
1. RB John Clay
2. TE Garrett Graham
3. WR David Gilreath
4. OT Gabe Carimi
5. K Philip Welch
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