Overall: I am sure many people in the Badger State and across America’s Dairyland are wondering why the Badgers are not widely in consideration for a championship run.  They have 10 starters on offense and nine starters on defense returning from a decent 9-4 season that included a win over Michigan.

Their offense looks like LSU’s—not a quarterback on the roster with a start for Wisconsin (one of them, Allan Evridge, had six starts with Kansas State in 2005).  Who will lead this offense that boasts a tough and experienced offensive line and three solid running backs?  Evridge might, but as far as I know, that could quickly change.

The Badgers will have to rely on the solid running game of P.J. Hill, Zach Brown and Lance Smith.  While Travis Beckum is the best tight end in the nation, Wisconsin does not have a single marquee wide receiver on the roster.  However, some observers look to this unit to break out in 2008.

On defense, Wisconsin has maybe the second best (Ohio State being No. 1) linebacker corps in the Big 10 and three solid DBs returning.  Oh, and their defensive line has three proven seniors.  What gives?

Well, how about the 15-plus injuries they have had already this year.  I do not think these guys are healthy enough to compete for a BCS Bowl.  I may be wrong.

Opponents: The Badgers have a relatively easy slate with only a few games that should keep them up at nights.  Being 25-1 at Camp Randall since 2004 also helps.

Fresno State could be deceptively good this year, and the Badgers have to go all the way to California to play them.  While I think Wisconsin will win, they cannot overlook the Bulldogs.  I also think Wisconsin will undress Michigan and be the first to show them for the frauds they will be this year (unless Notre Dame does it first).

Ohio State should come to Camp Randall and trounce the Badgers.  However, if they play with a lot of heart (Bret Bielema is a decent motivator), they could pull out an upset.  Just do not bet the aforementioned dairy farm on it.

I also think they will beat Penn State but lose to either Illinois or at Michigan State as the injuries start to rack up.  Stay healthy, Badgers, and you could surprise a lot of people, including me, with a Big 10 crown.

Prediction: 10-2, with a berth to a fifth January bowl in five years (Outback or Capital One)

13. BYU (Athlon No. 14, Phil Steele No. 17, SI No. 17, ESPN No. 13)

Overall: Who will be the BCS

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