Wisconsin Badgers 2009 Predictions

As we head into the middle of May, baseball season is in full swing. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and the forever long NBA Playoffs are just entering the second round.

The NHL Playoffs are happening as well, but they are not as compelling as making educated guesses at what will happen during next year's college football season.

The Wisconsin Badgers are coming off of a disappointing 7-6 season that that culminated in a 42-13 crushing by Florida State.

The upside is that the Badgers have a great recruiting class and a horse at running back. Also, the 2009 version of the Badgers offense will feature a speedy receiving corps.

As we head into the summer months, here are my predictions for the upcoming Badgers football season.

Northern Illinios Huskies

Prediction: Wisconsin- 42 NIU- 28

This game will probably be uglier than Tom Hanks in a tutu, but the Badgers will win going away.

They tend to start slow, but with Clay establishing a running game, whoever is going to play QB should be able to make some easy passes and gain some confidence.

Fresno State Bulldogs

Prediction: Wisconsin-23 Fresno State-10

After first game warm-ups for both teams, this game looks to be very interesting as Fresno State looks to revenge last year's 13-10 loss.

The loss of Senior quarterback Tom Brandstater hurts the Bulldogs on offense. The key to this game, however could be Wisconsin's coaches.

If the Badgers stick with John Clay on the ground and don't try to challenge Fresno's veteran secondary, the Badgers will pull out the easy win.

Wofford Terriers

Prediction: Wisconsin-51 Wofford-10

Now I know giving Wofford 10 points at Camp Randall may be charitable, however, the Badgers offensive line will be called into question by this point.

The Badgers will be very young up front, and they seem to play to the level of the competition.

So, Bucky will will handily, but this game may be the point where Brett Bielema surveys his o-line's progress over the year and gulps.

Michigan State Spartans

Prediction: Wisconsin- 24 Michigan State-21
This may be a "trap game" for Michigan State. It is sandwiched between Notre Dame and Michigan, and is on the road as well.

Mark Dantonio will have some work getting his boys ready for this one. Also the loss of Seniors Brian Hoyer and Javon Ringer in the backfield leave huge holes to be filled.

MSU is very strong on the interior defensively, led by Linebacker Greg Jones, and matches up very well to Wisconsin's interior running game.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Prediction: Wisconsin- 17 Minnesota-24

The Badgers secondary will have trouble stopping the receivers of Minnesota, including Eric Decker.

Decker had 7 TD catches last year even while missing some games. He is, arguably, the most reliable receiver in the Big Ten, and a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

Also Minnesota returns QB Adam Weber. This combo will prove too much for the Badgers as the Gophers will capture Paul Bunyan's axe.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Prediction: Wisconsin-20 Ohio State-21

Go ahead, laugh at this prediction. But if history continues to repeat itself, this game will be a close one.

The road team seems to have a way of pulling out close victories in this series...that being said, the Badgers will struggle on the road for the second week in a row.

If the Badgers try to throw the ball, OSU has a safety, Kurt Coleman, who is on the edge of a stellar season. There are some concerns for OSU with the departure of Malcom Jenkins.

On the defensive side, the Badgers have to find a way to stop Terrelle Pryor. He has developed into a passing quarterback that is a dangerous threat to scramble at any time.

Iowa Hawkeyes

Prediction: Wisconsin-31 Iowa-17

The Badgers will be looking for some revenge after the beating they took from Iowa last year. by this point the quarterback situation should be settled and the defense should be stouter.

Look for John Clay to have a big game at home as the Badgers pull away.

Purdue Boilermakers

Prediction: Wisconsin-24 Purdue-10

With quarterback Dustin Siller released for academic reasons, Purdue was hoping for transfer Robert Marve from Miami to be a big lift, however Marve is now leaning towards Tennesee.

Purdue will struggle offensively. The defensive line, led by Mike Neal, will be neutralized by the Badgers strong play up front.

Indiana Hoosiers

Prediction: Wisconsin-54 Indiana-21

Wisconsin feasts on Indiana. The one strength of the Hoosiers will be their defensive line. The secondary is horrific this year and the offense nondescript.

Should be like taking candy from a baby, but with the Badgers, who knows, the baby may keep the candy.

Michigan Wolverines

Prediction: Wisconsin-23 Michigan-21

Michigan pulled out a squeaker against Bucky in 2008. This year the tables will be turned at Camp Randall.

Brandon Minor will be back and prepared to play for Michigan, but the Badgers will win on a last second field goal.

Northwestern Wildcats

Prediction: Wisconsin-31 Northwestern-14

This game looks like it might be difficult for UW on the road, however, with the loss of quarterback C. J. Bacher, the Wildcats may struggle on offense.

The hole will be filled, most likely by senior QB Mike Kafka.

Kafka is a dual threat, but the Badgers should be used to mobile quarterbacks by this point. Badgers will win pulling away.

Hawaii Warriors

Prediction: Wisconsin-24 Hawaii-21

The Badgers will win this one if they don't spend too much time sightseeing before the game. It will be tough though.

This will be the biggest game of Hawaii's season as the Badger's are the only team from a major BCS conference Hawaii will play. Also it is in Hawaii. Just give the ball to Clay, Bielema.