Wisconsin Football: Previewing the Badgers' 2011 Schedule

Oh football, where art thou?

Yes, sadly the Super Bowl is the only thing that lies between us and the barren wasteland of football purgatory, known only as the off-season.

Ah, who are we kidding?

We have the NFL Draft, The Combine, spring football games and all the practices to breakdown, dissect and absolutely analyze to death before next season officially kicks off.

That being said, one should take the time to look ahead and prepare for one's favorite team's opponents.

Wisconsin carried momentum from a bowl victory over Miami in the 2009 season to an 11-2 finish and Big Ten championship in 2010.

Who stands in their way next season?

What will it take to defeat these foes?

Here is your way to early look at the Badger's 2011 schedule...

9/3/11 Vs. UNLV Runnin' Rebels

Wisconsin managed to pull out a win in Sam Boyd stadium last season on the first week of the season.

This year, they hope to continue that streak against the Runnin' Rebels in Mad-Town.

The Rebels lose starting quarterback, Omar Clayton, but return their leading rusher and receiver from last season's abysmal two win team.

Second year coach Bobby Hauck will have had more time to integrate his system and the Rebels should be improved, but not enough to top Buccky at home.

9/10/11 Vs. Oregon State Beavers

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

CORVALLIS, OR - DECEMBER 04: Jacquizz Rodgers #1 of the Oregon State Beavers runs the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the 114th Civil War on December 4, 2010 at the Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

The Beavers finished 5-7 overall in 2010 with a 2-4 record against top 25 teams.

And while they lose their top wide receiver and running back with the departure of Jacquizz and James Rodgers, starting quarterback Andy Katz returns this season to lead the offense.

State's rushing game was weak last season, even with Rodgers, and the Beavers just do not have the firepower or the defense to hang with the Badgers in Madison.

9/17/11 Vs Northern Illinois Huskies: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

Wisconsin and Northern Illinois did not face off this past season, but they will meet at Soldier Field in Chicago for this season's tilt.

The Huskies finished 2010 113 and punded Fresno State 40-17 in the uDrove Humanitarian Bowl to cap off their season.

But that's not all.

Starting quarterback Chandler Harnish, who threw for 21 touchdowns and rushed for seven more, will be back this season to lead the offense again.

This will be the Badger's stiffest non-conference test.

9/24/11 Vs South Dakota Coyotes

Last season the Coyotes won at Minnesota.

Not going to happen at Wisconsin.

'Nuff said...

10/1/11 Vs Nebraska Cornhuskers

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Taylor Martinez #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers looks for an open receiver against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Sooners beat the Cornhuskers 23-20. (Photo by

Nebraska doesn't have an easy task in their first Big Ten conference bout.

The Huskers have to make the trip to Madison to face the Badgers at Camp Randall.

The Huskers finished off last season with a disappointing loss to Washington in the Holiday Bowl.

However, with the return of phenomenal quarterback Taylor Martinez and some key players on defense, the Cornhuskers will be looking to start off with a "W" in Madison.

No word yet as to which team Barry Alvarez will be pulling for...

10/15/11 Vs Indiana Hoosiers

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 9: Quarterback Ben Chappell #4 of the Indiana Hoosiers drops back to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

After the absolute steamrolling the Badgers gave Indiana last year in Madison, 83-20, the Hoosiers will be looking for some revenge.

Indiana will be without Ben Chappell, and dark days are looming for Hoosier football.

Yes, Minnesota-esque days...

10/22/11 @ Michigan State Spartans

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Michigan State Spartans hands the ball off to Edwin Baker #4 during the Capitol One Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike

Wisconsin travels to East Lansing for the second straight season, and will look for payback from their only regular season loss of the 2010 season.

The Spartans lose linebackers Eric Gordon and Greg Jones, but return most of their key offensive players form last season.

This one will turn into a shootout.

10/29/11 @ Ohio State Buckeyes

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to hand the ball of to Dan Herron #1 against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Ohio State has definitely been the big dog in the conference for the last several year.

The Badgers will try to get a win in the Horseshoe and loosen OSU's grip on the conference.

With Terrelle Pryor, Dan Herron and Devier Posey all coming back from five game suspensions at the beginning of the seasonm the Buckeyes should be fresh and ready for the Badgers.

Wisconsin will struggle without Scott Tolzien, and OSU has the upper hand in this one.

11/05/11 Vs Purdue Boilermakers

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Rob Henry #15 of the Purdue Boilermakers takes the snap against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Purdue has been going through some tough years, finishing with four wins and eight losses in the 2010 season.

The good news is, leading passer and rusher, Rob Henry will return to lead the offense.

The bad news is, Ryan Keriigan, outstanding defensive lineman, will be playing on Sundays...

11/12/11 2 Minnesota Golden Gophers

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 18: Eskridge DeLeon #23 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball as T.J. McDonald #7 of the USC Trojans defends during the game on September 18, 2010 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/G

The good news for the Gophers is that they have a new coach and they are returning their leading rusher and reciever.

On the flip side, Adam Weber will not be under center anymore, and it will be no easy task to replace him...

11/19/11 @ Illinois Fighting Illini

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 20: Nathan Scheelhaase #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs pursued by Brian Arnfelt #91 of the Northwestern Wilcats during a game played at Wrigley Field on November 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois defeated Northwestern 48-2

Quarterback nathan Scheelhaase will be leading a potent Illini offense next season, that should match up well against Sconnie.

However, the loss of Martez Wilson on the defensive side of the ball is a huge gap, and Illinois will take a step back next season...

11/26/11 Vs Penn State

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Coach Joe Paterno of the Penn State Nittany Lions directs play of quarterback Matt McGloin #11 against the Florida Gators January 1, 2010 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschm

Penn State is hard to read.

The onlything that is sure about this team is that JoePa will once again be roaming the sidelines.

At this point, it's hard to say who will be starting at quarterback, and Evan Royster has departed.

On the plus side, the Nitanny Lions defense has some experience returning, the Old Man may have some tricks to pull out of his sleeve...