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Wisconsin Football: Big Ten Power Rankings

By Tanner Nestle

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 15: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the football during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 15: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the football during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /
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2. Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin is coming off the winningest season in program history and an electric Orange Bowl win over Miami. And the Badgers are expected to be even better next year.

Everybody on offense returns for the Badgers, minus Troy Fumagalli. The stable of running backs, a load of talented receivers, plus what’s shaping up to be one of the best offensive lines in all of college football. Alex Hornibrook had a rough 2017 throwing 15 interceptions, but has given every sign that he’s ready to have an incredible 2018.

The Badgers will probably beat most of their opponents to a pulp with a powerful running game and own time of possession. If teams want to stack the box, then it becomes Hornibrook’s time to shine.

The big question facing the Badgers is on defense, which is something of a new challenge to them. The defensive line and secondary specifically are void of a lot of experience. All-American linebacker T.J. Edwards and safety D’Cota Dixon are capable leaders that should be able to help keep Wisconsin competitive on that side of the ball though. This year will be difficult, but Badgers fans are optimistic about their young defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard.

Wisconsin will be competitive for the same reason its always been: running the football. Success in Madison begins and ends with the running game. Unfortunately for the rest of the Big Ten, there are literally no reasons to question the running game in 2018. If the defense clicks, the Badgers will be in the hunt for a College Football Playoff spot once again.