Wisconsin Badgers: 3 Reasons They Will Be the Team to Beat in the Big Ten

With college football just around the corner the Wisconsin Badgers look to be a top team this year.  Ranked 11th in the BCS the Badgers should be the team to beat in the Big 10.  With Ohio State's offseason problems the Badgers biggest contender will come in the form of Nebraska Huskers who were ranked 10th in the BCS.  

The Badger vs. Husker (Oct. 1) game should be a turning point of the season for both teams as they look to be the top team.  

With the help of quarterback Russell Wilson who will be leading the Badgers offense and the return of James White and Montee Ball returning after successful seasons at running back the Badgers will be very strong offensively.  

On the opposite side the Badgers defense will be another strong suit of the Badger team.  With a strong defensive line and a solid backfield the Badgers should be successful on both ends of the ball.    

Reason 1: Quarterback Russell Wilson

After getting Russell Wilson, the Badgers look strong in the quarterback position were they previously looked weak.  With Wilson coming in the Badgers will have the time that they need to get their backup quarterbacks the experience and playing time they will need for the future.  

The former NC State quarterback will be a threat against any team they play this season.  Wilson has thrown for 8,545 yards and 76 touchdowns over his three year career at NC State.  Another upside is he has only thrown 26 interceptions over those three years.  

Look for Wilson to play his game and lead the Badgers to the promise land this season.

Reason 2: Running Game

With two major running backs returning in the form of James White and Montee Ball the Badgers should have no problem establishing a solid run game.  Both backs had solid seasons last year and look to improve as they become the go to guys.  

Last season Montee Ball had a solid season with 996 yards and 18 touchdowns.  Ball was also averaging 6.1 yards per carry.  Ball also seemed to improve as the season progressed getting over 100 yards in his last five games.  

James White should be another star player at the running back position.  White had an outstanding season with the Badgers last season.  White had 1,052 yards with 14 touchdowns last season.  White was averaging 7.0 yards per carry.  White lead the Badgers in rushing last season and should be a major contributor this season.  

Reason 3: Badger Defense

The Badger defense is welcoming back six starters from last season which will give them the leadership they need to get some of the younger less experienced players into the swing of things.  

The Badgers are returning every defensive lineman with the exception of first-round draft pick J.J. Watt.  The Badgers will have a lot of depth in the trenches which could swing games in their favor.  In the back the defense features four strong defensive player in the forms of MLB Chris Borland, OLB Mike Taylor, CB Antonio Fenelus and S Aaron Henry.

Badger teammate and senior defensive tackle Patrick Butrym had this to say about middle linebacker Chris Borland, "Chris is the best athlete I've ever seen," he told the Champaign News-Gazette on July 29.  "That kid can play safety or corner.  He can go both ways.  Maybe by his senior year, do Charles Woodson and win the Heisman.  He just has natural football instincts."

The Badgers should have no problem on the defensive side of things which will only strengthen their team as the year goes on.