Wisconsin Football: Why Badgers Will Easily Falter If Defense Doesn't Rise Up

Two throws are all that stood between the Badgers and a National Championship berth. Two heaves in the waning moments of a game will be burned into the collective minds of Wisconsin fans for years to come. Two efforts of last-minute heroics that should have gone unrewarded will continue to be the legacy of the 2011 Badger defense. 

The Wisconsin defense in many ways was solid, if not spectacular, but you can be mediocre when you know the nation's most lethal offense can bail you out. 2012 will offer no such assurances. 

While the team will most definitely be circling rematches with Michigan State and Ohio State this year, the defensive as a whole unit needs to put an emphasis on consistency.

Wisconsin has been accused (and in many cases rightfully so) of stacking its schedule with cupcake opponents. But even some of these cupcakes have the ability to surprise—like Utah State.

The Aggies scored an average of 33.6 points per game last season. Wisconsin fans will quickly point out the team's 7-6 record, but a closer look reveals that Utah State was within a touchdown in those losses. So the Badgers will have to be ready to play defense from the very first snap of the season.

What's the best way to slow down an opposing offense? Get to the quarterback.

Despite some calls to get more aggressive when pursuing the rival signal caller, the Badgers notched 25 sacks last year, which are two better than the J.J. Watt led squad of the year prior. A more experienced and deep defensive line should strengthen that trend.

What if the quarterback gets the ball off in time? Pick it off.

The Badger secondary and linebacking corps was busy last year with 16 interceptions. Antonio Fenelus, Aaron Henry and Shelton Johnson all had four snags. While both Fenelus and Henry have graduated, Johnson showed incredible promise. The team regains Devin Smith, and people are very excited about safety Dezmen Southward's potential.

Hopefully, this year's team is well versed in Hail Mary defenses. It needs to be. 

What if the ball gets caught or the running back has a carry? Tackle him.

Wisconsin benefits from the services of the two best linebackers in the conference in Chris Borland and Mike Taylor. Borland's 143 tackles and Taylor's 150 stops make the combo a terrible twosome for opposing offenses.  With a full year of work together, both players should see more production and also reap the rewards of a better defensive line. 

All signs point to a strong defense with a bevy of starters returning and exciting new talent entering the fray. While the offense will still have to put points on the board, the Badgers defense should be ready to carry the load in the first few games.