Wisconsin at South Florida 8/30/19 - College Football Picks & Predictions

In Friday night college football on ESPN, the Wisconsin Badgers will invade Raymond James Stadium to take on the South Florida Bulls. The Badgers came into last season with national championship aspirations, but underachieved with an 8-5 record. Junior RB Jonathan Taylor is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, after rushing for 2,194 yards in 2018. Wisconsin lost two offensive lineman to the NFL and returns only one starter on the line.

Part of the struggles last season could be found on the defensive side of the ball, where the Badgers ranked 41st in yards allowed. Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has some work to do, with a defense that has questions at each level. The South Florida Bulls started the 2018 campaign off with seven straight victories, before proceeding to lose their final six contests. Much of the blame has to be given to head coach Charlie Strong, who is making a habit of inheriting talented programs and leaving them worse off. Strong hired Kerwin Bell to be the offensive coordinator and if QB Blake Barnett can stay healthy then this group will be able to put up points.

The defense has regressed under Strong’s leadership, ranking 29th in his first season at the helm and falling to 80th a season ago. Over the last six games, South Florida was gashed for 6.5 yards per play and 39 points on average.