2008 Wisconsin Badgers
Written June 10, 2008 by Jason Lowry
The NCAA football is getting closer and closer and Jason Lowry is ready to make his 2008 Wisconsin Badgers football predictions. The Badgers are coming off a 9-4 season and a 3rd place finish in the Big 10 at 5-3. The season ended with a very disappointing loss to Tennessee in the Outback Bowl. But with 17 returning starters there is no question that head coach Bret Bielema can lead this team to another 10 wins season, and a shot at their first Big 10 title since 1999. The team did lose 4 players to the draft, but the one that could end up being the biggest is kicker Taylor Mehlhaff. The team has two guys fighting for the job now and this team could really miss Mehlhaff’s leg in close games this season. Lets take a look at what the Badgers are bringing to both sides of the ball this season.
Offense:
The Badgers will have their third different starting quarterback in the last 3 years, but the team doesn’t know if it will be senior Allan Evridge or junior Dustin Sherer. It looks like Evridge holds the edge after spring ball, but nothing is set in stone just yet. The team is loaded at running back as they can go 4 deep if needed, but junior P.J. Hill and sophomore Zach Brown will do the bulk of the running. While wide receivers Kyle Jefferson and David Gilreath will be on the field, look for the majority of the passes to head in the direction of All-American tight end Travis Beckum and fellow tight end Garret Graham. The offensive line is experienced and right guard Kraig Urbik is the leader of this group. Overall look for this unit to ground and pound opponents, and hope that whoever their quarterback is can make wise choices and keep the ball out of the hands of the opposing teams defense.
Defense:
This defense should improve as it brings back 9 starters to a pretty solid unit a year ago. The team did lose a very solid corner in Jack Ikegwuonu to the draft, but the secondary should be just fine if FS Shane Carter can build off his league leading 7 interceptions last season. It also looks like senior Allen Langford and sophomore Aaron Henry will be solid at the corner spots. The team brings back all 3 starters at linebacker including a force at OLB in Jonathan Castillas, but need better play out of their middle linebacker this season. Right now it looks like it will be Elijah Hodge, but don’t count out sophomore Culmer St. Jean. The defensive line suffered some injury problems in spring ball, but if they all can return healthy the line should be a force in the Big 10. Look for sophomore Kirk DeCremer to take over the empty spot at defensive end if he is fully able to come back from a back problem that caused him to miss time in the spring.
Prediction: 2nd Big 10
With Michigan and Penn State both not expected to be a huge force next season that leaves Wisconsin as the next best thing to Ohio State. Don’t get me wrong the Badgers are going to be a very good football team, but Ohio State is going to be even better. The Badgers will get their chance at proving me wrong when Ohio State comes to town on Oct. 4th. The Badgers are great at home and also catch a good Illinois team at home. The Badgers have a ridiculous start to their Big 10 season as they have to play Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa and Illinois in a row to get things underway. Look for this team to wind up right around 9-3 overall and 6-2 in the Big 10.
Head over to BetUS.com if you are looking to get a head start on this upcoming football season. Also, professional handicapper Jason Lowry will continue to knock out his team-by-team previews for the 2008 NCAA Football season. As always feel free to leave any comments in our comment box.