Wisconsin Football: 10 New Year's Resolutions for the Badgers

2012 is just around the corner, and for millions of folks worldwide, that means New Year’s Resolutions.

Most of us know that these resolutions usually turn into nothing more than unfulfilled promises, but at least they’re well-intentioned.

Here are 10 of them that Badger fans hope will become reality in 2012.

Avenge Last Season's Rose Bowl Defeat

In 2011, the Badgers started their new year in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl.

It was Wisconsin's first trip to the "Granddaddy of Them All" since the height of the Barry Alvarez era.

Despite being heavy favorites against BCS buster TCU, the Badgers fell 21-19. 

This time around, Bucky is the underdog against Oregon. Can Russell Wilson and company avenge last season's painful and unexpected defeat? 

A Seamless Transition at Offensive Coordinator

What's been rumored for years finally happened in 2011: Offensive coordinator Paul Chyst is leaving the Badgers to run a program of his own. 

After the Rose Bowl, Chryst will officially begin his work as new head coach at Pitt. 

During his time in Madison, Chryst oversaw one of the nation's most prolific offensive attacks. 

With the architect of that offense on the way out, Badger fans are hoping for a replacement even half as talented as he was. 

A Seamless Transition at Quarterback

Heading into the 2011 season, Wisconsin's quarterbacks were dreadful at practice and in the spring game.

Enter Russell Wilson.

The NC State transfer burst onto the scene with one of the greatest seasons in school history, leading Wisconsin to its second Rose Bowl appearance in as many years. 

When the clock strikes triple zeroes in Pasadena on Jan. 2, Wilson's career as a Badger will come to an end. 

Can Bret Bielema find an adequate replacement for the 2012-13 season? 

Keep Montee Ball

In 2011, Wisconsin running back Montee Ball had one of the greatest seasons in college football history. 

The junior tailback led the nation in rushing yards, scored more touchdowns than any player in history not named Barry Sanders (a record he can still break in the Rose Bowl), and was named a Heisman finalist. 

It's a long shot, but Badger fans would be thrilled if Ball stuck around for his senior season. 

More Chris Borland, Mike Taylor

At times they flew under the radar, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a more talented linebacking duo in the country than Wisconsin's Chris Borland and Mike Taylor. 

Week in and week out, one or the other led the Badgers—and often the conference—in tackles. 

If both can stay healthy and continue to improve, Wisconsin fans will be very happy in 2012. 

More Jared Abbrederis

Nick Toon gets all the hype, but walk-on wide receiver Jared Abbrederis is as big a part of the Wisconsin passing attack as anybody else. 

Because of Abbrederis' breakout season, opposing pass defenses couldn't focus solely on stopping Toon. 

It will be interesting to see how Wisconsin's current No. 2 fares as No. 1 next season. 

Lock Up Bret Bielema

There is no indication that Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema has any desire to leave Madison, but you never know. 

In a world of Urban Meyer's, Todd Graham's and Bobby Petrino's, anything can happen. 

Bielema has his critics, but the work he's done at Wisconsin while following in the footsteps of a legend has been spectacular. 

The Badger program is in good hands with Bielema at the helm. 

Figure out Special Teams

This season, the Badgers' special teams were nothing short of dreadful. 

The kick coverage and punting game were glaring weaknesses on an otherwise excellent football team. 

In fact, it could be argued that Wisconsin was two blocked punts away from a perfect season and a spot in the BCS title game. 

Badger nation will be hoping in a big way that things improve for this unit in 2012. 

Win the Big Ten Championship

Despite questions at quarterback, Wisconsin will likely be the favorite to repeat again next season as Big Ten champions. 

After back-to-back titles and Rose Bowl berths, now is not the time to let up. 

It's been a long road, but the Badgers are close to joining Ohio State and Michigan as the permanent elites of the Big Ten conference. 

Make the BCS Title Game

If the Badgers are going to achieve true greatness and stake their claim as one of college football's premier programs, they need to get beyond the Rose Bowl. 

Nobody is complaining about Big Ten titles and trips to Pasadena, but a spot in the national championship game would serve as the culmination of the Alvarez-Bielema reclamation project.