Badger of Honor
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Wisconsin Football: Seven team strengths in 2018

By Tanner Nestle

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 07: Offensive lineman Tyler Biadasz #61 of the Wisconsin Badgers snaps the ball to quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 07: Offensive lineman Tyler Biadasz #61 of the Wisconsin Badgers snaps the ball to quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Running back Jonathan Taylor (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

As previously mentioned, the offensive line is loaded this year. The Badgers returned all five starters from last year, but look to be shuffling some things around. Michael Deiter looks to move from left tackle to left guard, giving way to a new starter at left tackle.

Read More. Predicting the offensive line depth chart. light

Several starters from the line could have gone to the NFL after last season, but each one decided to return for another chance at a championship. The Badgers are known for developing offensive linemen almost more than anything. Had David Edwards or Beau Benzschawel left for the draft, the Badgers could have filled in those holes nicely. Instead, they get to bathe in the spoils of having almost two all-conference worthy lines to shuffle through.

An offensive line isn’t complete without assets to block for though. Jonathan Taylor helped make the line look great just as much as the line helped him. In 2018 we should see much of the same thing. That being Taylor running wild and the line opening up holes left, right, and center for the All-American back.

They say football is won in the trenches and not too many teams will be able to match what the Badgers have on the line. The biggest challenger may be just on the other side of the Big Ten in Columbus. The Buckeyes boast one of the best defensive fronts in the country. If the Badgers get a rematch in the Big Ten Championship expect to see some physical football between the two groups.