Wisconsin Football: 6 Reasons Badgers Can Take the Big Ten Again in 2012

The Wisconsin Badgers are going to win the Big Ten again in 2012.  

The Badgers are easily the best team in the conference with talented players on both sides of the ball. The 2012 schedule is set up for the them to run the table and return to the Big Ten Championship game. With other programs such as Michigan State and Ohio State losing key players, Wisconsin will dominate in 2012.

Schedule

The Wisconsin Badger's schedule for 2012 is set up perfectly for the Badgers to win the Big Ten. Michigan State and Ohio State, two of the toughest games the Badgers play in 2012, must travel to Madison. Opposing teams do not win at Camp Randall, as the Badgers are 50-4 at home over the last eight years.  

The Badgers travel to Nebraska, but they handled the Cornhuskers last year. Games against Penn State, Illinois, Purdue, Minnesota and Indiana shouldn't be close. Wisconsin also doesn't face Michigan, one of the preseason favorites, during the regular season.

The Wisconsin Badgers will roll through the Big Ten en route to another appearance in the Big Ten Championship game.

Talent

On both sides of the ball, the Wisconsin Badgers are the best team in the Big Ten. Heisman finalist and best player in the conference, Montee Ball, along with incoming quarterback Danny O'Brien will lead a deep offense that will rack up the yards and have no problem scoring. The offensive line will be solid as usual, and Jared Abbrederis will continue his development into a start. 

Mike Taylor and Chris Borland combine to give the Badgers the best linebacking duo in the conference, and they lead a strong overall defense. The defensive line is deep, and the front seven will shut down opposing offenses. Marcus Cromartie and Shelton Johnson lead a deep and talented secondary.  

Michigan

The Michigan Wolverines are Wisconsin's main competition in the Big Ten following their win in the 2011 Sugar Bowl. However, the Wolverines aren't nearly as complete a team as the Badgers.

Michigan has numerous holes to fill following the departures of stalwarts Mike Martin and David Molk, as well as Junior Hemingway and Ryan Van Bergen. The defensive line needs to be rebuilt, and the receiving corps is unimpressive. It is yet to be seen if there are suitable replacements on the Wolverines' roster.

Expect these two teams to meet in the Big Ten Championship game with the Badgers having no problem running over the Michigan's rebuilt defensive line. 

Nebraska

The Nebraska Cornhuskers should be one of the toughest games of the regular season for the Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers must travel to Lincoln to face stud running back Rex Burkhead and company. However, the game will not be a problem. Taylor Martinez is a terrible quarterback who completed only 56 percent of his passes.  

The defense is also in a state of flux after hiring a new coordinator in the offseason and losing stars Lavonte David and Alfonzo Denard.  

If the 2011matchup was any indication, this game should end in a blowout.

Michigan State

The Michigan State Spartans will be the toughest test for the Badgers in 2012. However, there is nothing to be worried about.  

The Spartans have to replace quarterback Kirk Cousins, as well as Edwin Baker. Keith Nichol, hero of the Michigan State win in 2011, along with three other receivers and two tight ends must also be replaced. The Spartans have to replace almost all of their skill players, and the offense is sure to suffer dramatically. The defense also lost key players in Jerel Worthy and Trenton Robinson.

The loss of all that talent will be too much to overcome for the Michigan State, and Wisconsin will have no problem avenging their heartbreaking loss in 2011.

Ohio State

Ohio State shocked the Badgers in 2011, winning 33-29 in Columbus. However, things will be much different in 2012. Ohio State's offense was terrible in 2011, and will get worse since the Buckeyes must rebuild their offensive line after losing both their tackles and center and must also replace tailback Daniel Herron.  

The players must adapt to a completely different offensive system in Urban Meyer's spread, and the adaptation could prove to be difficult.  

The Buckeyes lack the talent to compete with the Badgers in 2012, and the Badgers will have no problem beating them in Madison this year.

Conclusion

The Badgers are the best team in the Big Ten, and will have no problems reaching the championship game. The schedule is favorable, and it is certainly possible that the Badgers will run the table. Games against Nebraska, Michigan State and Ohio State will result in W's for the Badgers as they look to win the Big Ten yet again.  

Expect to see the Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl again this year.