Wisconsin Football: 5 Reasons to Be Optimistic for 2012

It seems bleak right now after such a letdown at the Rose Bowl.

High hopes and higher expectations came crashing to earth when the last mismanaged second ticked off the clock for the Wisconsin Badgers. But sports fans are fond of a certain adage that keeps their heads up when the chips are down: "There is always next year." 

The Badgers, too, will have next season to redeem themselves. What's more, the 2012 campaign will ultimately prove whether the recent Wisconsin success has simply been a collection of good teams and good fortune, or whether this is really a program worthy of national notice. 

Montee Ball Is Back

The moment Montee Ball announced his intention to return to school, this article became a lot easier to write.

The Heisman finalist cited disappointment in his perceived draft status and the strong desire to finish out his college career with a degree as his motivation to to come back. His decision also sparked interest in its own right as Ball seemed genuinely excited to play with a unit losing many top performers. Maybe he knows something everyone else doesn't.

While Ball will most definitely face scrutiny, his actions fueled hope for the team. 

The Defense Will Be a Bright Spot

Believe it or not, the Badgers have a strong stable of returning players on defense. Most media outlets have painted the next installment of Wisconsin as a no-name team with ineptitude at every corner, but when you look at the D, nothing is further from the truth. 

Stalwart linebackers Mike Taylor and Chris Borland should resume their wrecking ball ways.

Defensive tackle Beau Allen should be ready to step into some starting shoes while end David Gilbert and cornerback Devin Smith make their returns to the field.

A strong sprinkling of seasoned players along with some promising young talent could yield a surprisingly effective unit. 

Star on the Horizon

The Badgers are not known for making waves on the recruiting circuit, and are even less known for attracting big-time quarterbacks (the old-fashioned way at least.)

Bart Houston will come to campus with a fair amount of intrigue as the California prep star will be seen by many as the man to beat from Day 1.

The 6'4" signal-caller for perennial power Concord De La Salle spurned West Coast schools like UCLA and Arizona to come to Wisconsin for a chance to QB the Badgers.

His debut in the cardinal and white could be a big one. 

Wisconsin Does What It Does Best

The Wisconsin program has never been built on flash. It's been built on size, strength and fundamentals.

So, when all else fails, Badger fans can find solace in its offensive line. 

The Badgers can always count on a stout line that will pave a lane for Ball and company, and 2012 will have its nice complement of guards, tackles and centers. 

Travis Frederick and Ricky Wagner will anchor a unit that seems to only get better year after year, as Peter Konz is still weighing his options. 

Success Breeds Success

2011's outlook was somewhat cloudy until June brought sun and Russell Wilson. Wisconsin finds itself in the same exact position with huge question marks at some critical positions.

This year has some extra challenges to overcome with the departure of key assistants Paul Chryst, Bob Bostad and allegedly Dave Huxtable. 

But this is not the first time a program has had to replenish its ranks, and Wisconsin's recent notoriety has attracted some big candidates. Back-to-back Big Ten championships will keep the Badgers in the discussion for elite talent on the field and on the sideline.

Expect a big recruiting push as Bret Bielema hires proven assistants.