Badger of Honor
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Wisconsin Football has new season goals after loss to Northwestern

By Tanner Nestle

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 13: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers throws a pass during warmups prior to playing the Michigan Wolverines on October 13, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 13: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers throws a pass during warmups prior to playing the Michigan Wolverines on October 13, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football Rachad Wildgoose
EVANSTON, IL – OCTOBER 27: Berkeley Holman #16 of the Northwestern Wildcats rushes as Rachad Wildgoose #5 of the Wisconsin Badgers closes in at Ryan Field on October 27, 2018 in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern defeated Wisconsin 31-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Get young defenders quality reps

One of the biggest concerns coming into the year was how the defense would play with so many lost starters to graduation. There have been bright spots and dull spots from the young guys with most of the dull spots coming as a result of injuries. The defense might not be dominant again next year, but there’s a lot to look forward to.

Scott Nelson, when healthy, is awesome. He’s the kind of player Wisconsin really needs moving forward. He’s young but experienced, and not afraid to make plays. We’ve seen similar things out of Reggie Pearson Jr. too.

Young cornerbacks like Rachad Wildgoose and Faion Hicks have also seen incredible amounts of playing time. Those guys aren’t going typical underclassmen anymore. The future is bright for the secondary, especially if those guys finish the season out strong.

Other young defenders like Jack Sanborn, Kayden Lyles, and Bryson Williams will also be expected to contribute next year. Getting experience for those guys is just as important, if not more important, due to how shaky the front 7 has been so far this year.

If there’s a silver lining to all these injuries it’s that we’re seeing the future of the defense right now.