Where They've Been: The Badgers are only one of three teams to have played in four consecutive January bowl games, but unlike USC and West Virginia, it hasn't appeared in one BCS game. Wisconsin made the Outback Bowl last season, the Capital One in 2005 and 2006 and the Outback again in '04.Wisconsin was shaky over the second part of '07, going 4-4 in their last eight games, including the Outback Bowl loss to Tennessee, and won just once on the road (against lowly Minnesota). Much of the roller coaster ride came without bowling ball running back P.J. Hill, who missed 13 of the last 15 quarters in the regular season with a leg injury. While his backups played admirably (like Zac Brown's 250 yards, which came, again, against lowly Minnesota) it just wasn't the same.
Where They're Going: One thing the Badgers did better than anyone last season was eat up clock like it was made out of Wisconsin cheese. They held the ball an average of 33:44 a game in '07, best in the nation and with a line that returns four starters, that won't change.
Along with Hill, the offense also returns Travis Beckum, arguably the best tight end in football, who led all TEs with 982 yards last season. But despite all there is to like on this side of the ball, there's a major question behind center.
Senior Allan Evridge and junior Dustin Sherer are vying to replace Tyler Donovan at quarterback. Evridge entered camp atop the depth chart, largely because of his experience (he started six games at Kansas State in '05 before transferring and appeared in seven games last year) but both he and Sherer are driving offensive coordinator Paul Chryst crazy with inconsistent play.
The defense will be stout once again behind end Matt Shaughnessy (18 tackles for loss and five sacks last season) and returns nine starters, including two-time All-Big Ten honoree Jonathan Casillas at weakside linebacker.
The secondary took a hit after Jack Ikegwuonu left early for the NFL, but with corner Allen Langford, strong safety Aubrey Pleasant and free safety Shane Carter all back, this group should be able to overcome his loss.
Forecast: Bret Bielema is 14-0 at Camp Randall Stadium and if that undefeated streak holds through the end of this season, it will a major statement for this program. Nationally ranked Ohio State, Penn State and Illinois all travel to Madison. Outside of that gauntlet of home games, the only real roadblock is a trip to Fresno State.
Still, that three-game set against the Buckeyes, Nittany Lions and Illini will dictate the season. If Wisconsin goes unbeaten in those games, its BCS-bound and could be a national title contender. But that's a big if. A more likely scenario is a 2-1 finish and a shot at an at-large BCS berth.
The Señior Says: 10-2, second in Big Ten
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