2021 Recap: It was a down year according to their standards. Through their first four games, they were 1-3 and questions were everywhere. After the loss to the Michigan Wolverines, they reeled off seven straight victories before falling to the Minnesota Gophers to end the season. The Badgers finished the year with a 9-4 record and won the Las Vegas Bowl against Arizona State. They were one of the best in the nation at stopping the run. Each year, you can count on them to have one of the stingiest defenses not just in the Big Ten, but in the country.
Key Departures: DE Isaiahh Loudermilk, CB Rashad Wildgoose, OT Cole Van Lanen, OG Jon Dietzen & S Eric Burrell.
2022 Prediction: There isn’t much separation at the top of the Big Ten West and many teams come in with question marks. However, it’s tough to pick against the Wisconsin Badgers. Jim Leonhard will have that defense at the top of the conference once again playing at an elite level. Last season, they allowed the fewest yards per play (4.1) of any other team in the nation. Wisconsin will also be one of the best at running the football along with an elite offensive line. The key will be a consistent Graham Mertz. He struggled significantly last year. They go as far as he takes them.
