Good Reasons Why Wisconsin Badgers May Steal the Big Ten Crown

Larry Burton (Panama City Beach, Fla.) Sometimes the old joke goes, "I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is we have most of our starters coming back, the bad news is, it's the same sorry ones from last year."

But that won't be true this year when the Wisconsin Badgers bring back a Big Ten-leading 18 starters from last year's team, including 10 of 11 on an offense that averaged over 417 yards per game, the most since 1994, and 32 points per game.

But it's not all just offensive firepower they're bringing back, they are also bringing back six defensive starters and both special teams skilled players.

This is a team that could be both undefeated and bowl eligible by early October. They could be 6-0 very easily before settling the Big Ten with back-to-back games against Ohio State and Iowa.

Even splitting these two games could be enough to get the Rose Bowl nod or at least another major bowl with a double digit winning season and a top-10 ranking.

Reining Big Ten Player of the Year running back John Clay should be back by fall following ankle surgery, and will be aided by Montee Ball, who did a good job in the spring game, and senior Zach Brown, another very capable back.

Returning quarterback Scott Tolzien and returning receivers Nick Toon and Isaac Anderson should provide two good go-to guys to keep the heat off the running game.

If the defense can come around and maintain as many think it can, then this Badger team would definitely have to be picked as the dark horse to win the Big Ten.

A solid defensive line is in store for opposing running backs, aided by a linebacker corp that can also cover backs out of the back field.

In the spring game, they showed they could step up the pressure on the quarterback and that may provide opportunities for a defensive backfield still growing in confidence.

A very favorable schedule and a little luck could make this a season to remember in Madison.

Larry Burton (Panama City Beach, Fla.)