2008 Wisconsin Badgers College Football Predictions

Brett Bielema is 21-5 in his first two seasons as Wisconsin head man, but he hasn't been able to bring home a league title. In fact, Wisconsin hasn't won the Big Ten since 1999. Do the Badgers have enough talent to challenge for that top spot this season. Find out in Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Wisconsin Badgers predictions and season preview. 
 

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Offense

The discomforting thing about the offense is that Wisconsin will have a difference QB under center for the third straight season and this year's starter doesn't figure to be nearly as good as John Stocco or Tyler Donovan. Whether Allan Evridge or Dustin Sherer takes over, they will only be asked to manage the game as the Badgers will really on a strong running attack for their success. Wisconsin perennially puts one of the biggest and best offensive lines in the country on the field and this season will be no exception. The Badgers will look to run the ball and eat up clock behind this unit as they are the definition of smash mouth football. P.J. Hill gets the majority of the carries. The punishing back has rushed for 29 touchdowns and 2,805 yards in just two seasons. The talented Zach Brown had an awesome 250-yard game at Minnesota this last year. Lance Smith and John Clay will also get carries as the Badgers have plenty of ability and depth at running back. When the Badgers do throw it, they'll look to All-American tight end Travis Beckum.

Defense

It all starts up front for the Badger defense with Jason Champman, Kirk DeCremer, Mike Newkirk, and Matt Shaughnessy. All should be full strength this fall after suffering spring injuries. Bielema should also get solid play at middle linebacker from Elijah Hodge and Culmer St. Jean and at strong safety from Jay Valai and Aubrey Pleasant. One thing that the Badgers do have on their side is great depth at almost every spot. The secondary is led by every QB's worst nightmare, free safety Shane Carter, who led the conference with seven picks last season.

Special Teams

Incoming freshman Brad Nortman is expected to take over the punting duties in the fall. Having a good punter is essential to the field position game that Wisconsin plays and Nortman is a good one. Philip Welch and Matt Fisher will duke it out for placekicking and kickoff duties. Taylor Mehlhalf will be missed, especially on kickoffs, as he led the Big Ten in touchbacks each of the past two seasons. Wisconsin has a good punt returner in wide receiver David Gilreath who led the Big Ten in return average at 14 yards per punt return last season.

Prediction – 2nd in Big Ten

Illinois, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, and Iowa are all very close to one another, but I think the Badgers will end up the runner ups to Ohio State. Wisconsin's ability to run the football and control the clock is what has earned it success season after season. The Badgers are tough as nails at home, especially in night games. Don't be surprised if they are able to beat Ohio State on October 4th in Camp Randall Stadium.

Jimmy Boyd's college football predictions are here to help out you preseason futures bettors and his football picks will be here for you all season long to grow your bankroll to new heights by consistently beating the college football lines. Climb on board with Jimmy Boyd and enjoy the best season you've ever had.

June 2nd, 2008