Wisconsin Badgers - 2021 NCAA Football Season Preview & Win Total Predictions

Last Updated: 07/23/2021 at 4:12 PM ET

The Wisconsin Badgers have been one of the best college football programs over the last two decades and are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 4-3 record last season. Sophomore QB Graham Mertz showed flashes of major potential and now will look to turn around a Wisconsin offense that finished 12th in the Big Ten. The Badgers return a talented group of receivers, including TE Jake Ferguson (4 TD).

Wisconsin as always wants to be a dominant running team and has three returning starters on the offensive line. RB Jalen Berger rushed for a team-high 301 yards and two touchdowns in four games a season ago.

For the Badgers to challenge Ohio State for Big Ten supremacy, they must lean heavily on a defense that allowed 299.9 yards per game and ranked ninth in the nation in points allowed (17.4). Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard returns eight starters and is loaded at the linebacking spot. Leading tacklers Jack Sanborn (52) and Leo Chenal (40) both return to Madison.

Nose tackle Keeanu Benton will anchor a line that lost two starters and Oregon transfer Isaac Townsend is expected to fill the void. The secondary is an area of concern for the Badgers and lacks playmakers.

The schedule is difficult, but manageable for the Badgers. The toughest games come at home and a non-conference matchup with Notre Dame will be played in Chicago. If Wisconsin can protect their homefield, they should be able to cruise on the road. Take Wisconsin to make another appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game. Final Season Prediction, Wisconsin Badgers Over 9.5 Wins.

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