One could say the Badgers had one of their best seasons last year when they lost one lone game in the regular season. They peaked at #5 in the nation. They took out #1 ranked Ohio State (Wisconsin was ranked #18 at that point) at Camp Randall in which some call one the most one sided dominate wins over a #1 ranked team in college football history (31-18 victory). The Badgers made it too the Rose Bowl where they lost to Andy Dalton and the TCU Horned Frogs. Their run game, which some argue got them to where they were that season, seemed absent during the Rose Bowl. The final score was 21-19. The season was over. J.J. Watt, Lance Kendricks, Gabe Carimi, John Moffitt, and Bill Nagy were all taken by teams in the NFL. The Badgers would also not see Scott Tolzien return because he was a senior. Tolzien went undrafted. John Clay, a junior, was undrafted but signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was time to rebuild.
The Badgers entered the 2011 season with high expectations. With the transfer of Russell Wilson from North Carolina State, expectations are even higher. Through the first three games of the season, the Badgers have not been a disappointment. The Badgers have out scored opponents 135-24 so far. Russell Wilson has thrown for a staggering 791 yards and 8 touchdowns. The Wisconsin Badgers also have a formidable duo at the running position. Monte Ball and James White have combined this season for 82 carries 480 yards and 9 touchdowns (Ball with 7). Finally, Nick Toon, the Badgers #1 wide receiver, has 200 yards receiving with 3 touchdowns, averaging 14 yards per catch. If these kinds of performances continue for the rest of the season, I see no reason why Wilson should not get any Heisman votes, or why the Badgers can't be the #1 team in the nation. It has been 11 years since the Heisman has been won by a Badger (Ron Dayne) and this year fans all across the state have "that feeling of something good" And with two contenders for the Big Ten Championship, Ohio St. And Michigan St, already with a loss this season, the Badgers have a great opportunity to win the Leaders Division and have a chance at winning back to back Big Ten Titles.
Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.
-Andrew Vrchota @TheBIGVrchota
-Michael Schuster @mikeshuz
-Nick Pritzlaff @WSB_Nick
-Brandon Krueger @WSB_Brandon
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