Wisconsin Badgers Football: Top 10 Reasons Big Ten Title Will Go Through Madison
The Wisconsin Badgers started the season ranked No. 12 on both Coaches' Poll and the AP poll.
After a respectable 10-3 season last year, they are looking to improve upon that record this year.
Could a Big Ten Title be in their future?
This could be the year that the Big Ten dominance of Ohio State is put to a halt.
Here are the top 10 reasons why the Big 10 Title will go through Madison.
10. Key Players Returning
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The Badgers had a 10-3 record last season, that culminated with a win against No. 15 ranked Miami 20-14 in the Citrus Bowl.
Things look even better for this team this year as a number of key starters are returning for another season.
Among them are quarterback Scott Tolzien, running back John Clay, left tackle Gabe Carimi and safety Jay Valai.
9. Strong Opening Game Against UNLV
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The Badgers showcased a potent running game in their season opening game. After an interception in the first quarter and a lost fumble in the second quarter, Wisconsin dominated the rest of the game.
They defeated the UNLV Running Rebels 41-21.
John Clay had 17 carries, 123 yards and 2 TDs while backup Montee Ball had 16 carries, 79 yards and 2 TDs.
8. Big Bustin' John Clay
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Clay, a 6'1" 255 lb. redshirt junior, was a first-team All Big Ten selection last season.
When he rushed for 1,517 yards and 18 touchdowns.
After a strong performance in the opening game of the season, Clay was also able to put aside concerns about his health, after offseason ankle surgeries.
Looking better than ever against UNLV, he could be in for a Heisman-calibre 2010 season.
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7. Depth at Running Back
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It's not just John Clay that is capable of manning the Badgers' running game.
Sophomore Montee Ball 5'11" 238 lbs. emerged as a reliable runner late last season and he displayed midseason form in the first game of the season.
Third on the depth chart is true freshman, James White, recruited out of Florida and has impressed during camp.
The Badgers have depth and plenty of talent at the running back position.
6. Strong Offensive Line
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Led by first-team All Big-Ten senior left guard John Moffitt, and second-team All Big-Ten left tackle Gabe Carmini, they have a monstrous and overpowering offensive line.
They have size and experience to protect quarterback Scott Tolzien.
A total of six offensive linemen who started last season are returning for a run at the Big Ten title.
5. Scott Tolzien
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Tolzien at the quarterback position is key to igniting this offense.
Last season, he completed 211/328 for 2,705 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Now, in his senior season, a more mature Tolzien could improve on those numbers.
4. Power Packed Offense
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Tolzien has plenty of options on offense with receivers Nick Toon, senior David Gilreath and impressive tight end Lance Kendricks.
Add to that a strong offensive line and very potent running attack, this team is an offensive powerhouse.
Wisconsin led the Big Ten in scoring 31.8 ppg and total offense 416.9 last year.
It's evident that the Badgers will have no difficulty scoring against their opponents once again this season.
3. Home Game Against Ohio State
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For the last five seasons, Ohio State has taken at least a share of the Big Ten title.
Last year, the Buckeyes defeated the Badgers at Columbus 31-13.
This time, however, Wisconsin will play host to their Big Ten rivals. It's a chance to repay the Buckeyes for that embarrassing defeat, in front of their home crowd.
The winner of the Big Ten title could very well be determined in this matchup.
2. Iowa Hawkeyes
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Their road game against Iowa after their game against Ohio State could be problematic.
A strong offensive team, will got head-to-head with a strong defensive team.
The last time they faced each other, the Hawkeyes held the Badgers to ten points.
If the Badgers take a win at home against OSU the previous week, they'll be heading to Iowa with a lot of confidence and momentum.
That may be enough adrenaline to dispatch this Iowa team, ranked No. 7 by the preseason AP poll.
If the Badgers do come away with a win against the Buckeyes, a loss here should does not necessarily mean the end to their Big Ten title hopes.
1. Big 10 Title
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Assuming that they play through and win the rest of their schedule, two of Wisconsin's toughest opponents will be Big Ten rivals, Iowa and Ohio State.
If they manage to win at home against Ohio State and away against the Iowa, a Big Ten Title is surely in their future.
Perhaps even a perfect season. But, let's get real.
The OSU game is the most important one for their title chances. If they win that match up, they could have a chance at a one or two loss season.
If they lose, then they're title hopes are slim to none.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
