College Football Preview: How Wisconsin Badgers Can Go 12-0 In '10

The Wisconsin Badgers are dealing with some of the highest preseason expectations in their history.

After capping off last season's 10-3 record with a 20-14 victory over the Miami Hurricanes in the Champ Sports Bowl, the Badgers are ranked at no.12 in both the AP and Coaches Poll. Athlon Sports has UW ranked at no.16, while Lindy's has them at no.6.

But we all know, preseason polls mean exactly nil once the season starts.

What really matters are the teams on the field. Who is mentally prepared? Which team has the advantage? What weaknesses can they exploit?

With that said, here are the Badger's 12 opponents this season and the way the Badgers will have the advantage to be able and finish the season 12-0.

September 4—UNLV Runnin' Rebels—O-Line Advantage

UNLV has had trouble generating any sort of pass rush over the last several years, and that won't change against the Badgers. With seven players returning who have starting experience along the O-Line, the Badgers will have no trouble protecting quarterback Scott Tolzien or paving the way for running back John Clay in this game.

September 1—San Jose State Spartans—Non-Conference Success

To find Wisconsin's last non-conference loss, other than bowl games, one has to look all the way back to 2003. Granted, a steady diet of San Diego State and Buffalo has helped contribute to that feat, but the Badgers have knocked off West Virginia, North Carolina twice, Fresno State twice and Arizona once in that same time span. The facts remain, they win the non-conference games they are expected to win. Last time the Badgers lost a non-conference battle? 2003 against UNLV, the same opponent they face in week one.

September 18—Arizona State Sun Devils—Devil's Weak O-Line

The Sun-Devils have the opposite of the Badgers on their offensive line. Two of their projected linemen for this season, Zach Schlink and Matt Hustad "retired" from the team due to multiple knee injuries. To this point the Badger's inexperienced D-Line will be solid, but expect a break-out game in this one.

September 25—Austin Peay Governors—Little Guys Lose

Simply put, FCS teams don't generally have much success against FBS teams. Throw out games such as Appalachian State vs. Michigan, and the FBS wins with expected regularity. Advantages in recruiting pull, talent pool and coaching partially explain this advantage. Wisconsin will win this one by 30 or more.

October 2—Michigan State Spartans—Ball Control

As running backs go, John Clay is better than average. The junior from Racine, Wisconsin finished last season with over 1,500 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns. He was also the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. But the reason he gives the Badgers the advantage in this one, is ball control.

When Clay has the ball, he gains yardage, and against an MSU team with a potent offense, ball control will be a key. The Badgers finished last season in first place among all FBS schools in ball control. If they want to take MSU on the road, they better control the clock.

October 9—Minnesota Golden Gophers—Departed Linebackers

Gopher's linebackers Simoni Lawrence and Nathan Triplett got to work out at the NFL Combine, and leading tackler Lee Campbell is on the Detroit Lions. Now the linebacking corps goes from being the team’s strength to a potential nightmare. To put it bluntly, if the small, inexperienced linebacking corps doesn’t surprise, the Gophers will be in trouble especially against the Badger's uber-experienced offense.

October 16—Ohio State Buckeyes—Home Field Advantage

Any honest Buckeye fan will admit the Badgers dominated the Buck's defense last season in the 'Shoe, but three vital mistakes ended the Badger's chances at a victory. In the Badger's biggest contest to this point, where the game is played will make a big difference. With "Jump Around" by House of Pain pumping, expect the Badgers to come out and execute well and come out with a win.

October 23—Iowa Hawkeyes—Experience

The Badgers return more starters than any team in the conference. 10 are returning on offense, along with six on the defense. And two other offensive linemen have starting experience. They will need every bit against the Hawkeyes, as the Badgers have struggled to beat Iowa losing seven of their last nine to the Hawks, and two in a row. The experience along the offensive line and in the backfield will provide the catalyst for an upset in this game, as Bucky rolls into the bye week undefeated.

November 6—Purdue Boilermakers—Passing Game

Last year’s defensive backfield had all four starters returning and the longtime veterans were a major strength throughout the season. Now the Boilermakers not only have to replace all the starters, but they’re doing it with a group of untested players. This could be a recipe for disaster against the Badgers. Wisconsin boasts one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the conference in Scott Tolzien, and arguably the best set of wide receivers as well. Throw in tight end Lance Kendricks, and the Badgers have one of the most potent passing games in the conference.

November 13—Indiana Hoosiers—Inexperienced Defense

The Hoosiers return only four starter on defense from last season. The Badgers will take advantage of this fact with their experience along the O-Line and at the quarterback position. Indiana finished tenth in the conference in overall defense, and losing seven starters is going to hurt against a potentially explosive Wisconsin squad.

November 20—Michigan Wolverines—Red Zone Efficiency

Can you say shootout? The Badgers will be trading scores with the Wolverines all day in this one, so the deciding factor may be efficiency in the red zone. Wisconsin finished first in the conference last season, scoring 95 percent of the time, while Michigan finished dead last, scoring only 67 percent of the time.

November 27—Northwestern Wildcats—Linebacker Talent

The Badgers linebackers are very good. Returning Freshman of the Year Chris Borland highlights the group, but Mike Taylor was leading the team in tackles when sidelined last season, and Culmer St. Jean boast tons of experience. Against the Wildcats, this group will be the key to success. Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa is a mobile quarterback, and the Wildcats have an experienced O-Line to pave the way for a shifty group of running backs. Borland and Co. will have to roam the field and make big plays for the Badgers to pull out this one.

The Ultimate Goal

Those are the advantages the Badgers have, and the keys to going undefeated. Can the Badgers do it? That remains to be seen, but returning experience, superior talent and consistent coaching could lead to the Badger's first trip to a BCS game.