The time is now for Wisconsin Football

Wisconsin Football is everywhere this preseason. There’s no better time than the present to capitalize on the hype.

Sports Illustrated covers, Heisman Trophy candidates, Big Ten Title projections and a No. 4 spot in the AP preseason poll. The Wisconsin Badgers have quite the expectations for the 2018 season, and it’s time for them to finally cash in.

Since 2016, Wisconsin has been one of the most successful programs in the entire country. They have the third most wins of any team since the 2016 season (24) and are coming off a 13-1 season that included an Orange Bowl victory.

But still, people doubt the Badgers, people talk down to them and people overlook them.

Every year, the preseason descriptions consist of the same stereotypes: Wisconsin dominates a weak Big Ten West, they don’t have the athletes or speed to match up with the top teams and they will never be nationally elite.

And these stereotypes have often come true, like in the past two Big Ten championships. The Badgers were a win away first their College Football Playoff appearance last year but lost to Ohio State in the Big Ten championship. The year prior, Wisconsin lost to Penn State in Indianapolis in the Big Ten title game. Both losses were by single-digits and added fuel to the “Wisconsin can’t win the big game” narrative.

"“It just shows we’re not very far from where we want to be,” defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard told ESPN. “We were right there.”“We just have to finish,” said safety D’Cota Dixon. “It’s nothing to talk about. It’s not five stars. We’ve beaten teams with tons of talent. I don’t think that’s an issue. We’ve got talent, too. We really do.”"

And talent they do have.

The Badgers should roll out their best offense since 2011 when Russell Wilson was at the helm. They feature a top offensive line in the country, a Heisman Trophy candidate running back and one of their deepest, quickest receiving corps in years.

Third-year starter Alex Hornibrook won’t compare to Russell Wilson, but he will look to build off of a career performance in last years Orange Bowl. The lefty laid the turnover chain to rest, lighting up the Miami Hurricanes defense for 258 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in a 34-24 win.

On the other side of the ball, the defense has been Wisconsin’s signature unit as of late. Only Alabama has allowed fewer points and yards than Wisconsin over the past five seasons – where the Badgers have featured three different defensive coordinators. They also rank second nationally in the FBS in points allowed (16.1 ppg), yards allowed (286.2 ypg), rushing yards allowed (104.4 ypg) and pass efficiency defense (106 rating) over that span.

The Badgers lost seven defensive starters from last season, but return one of the best linebacker duos in the nation in T.J. Edwards and Ryan Connelly along with Dixon, who is a two-time All-Big Ten selection at safety.

Wisconsin’s offense should be one of the best in recent years and if the defense can compare to recent performances, the Badgers have one of the most talented and balanced teams in the entire country. And they know they’re close to the championship stage if they’re not already there.

“If you come to Wisconsin, you don’t get these four and five-star recruits, but you get guys who can really give their body to try to do their best out there every Saturday with these powerhouse teams,” T.J. Edwards said. “We know we can match up with anybody.”

The time is now for the narrative to change, and the Badgers have the perfect team to do so.

All stats via ESPN.com