#2-WISCONSIN BADGERS

The Wisconsin Badgers come off yet another 9+ win season however there are holes and question marks at several key positions. Do the Badgers take a step back in 2014 or are they at the point in their program where they merely reload?

Other than the Miller news at Ohio State, the big story to come out of the Big Ten in August was Wisconsin head coach Gary Anderson naming Tanner McEvoy as the starter at quarterback over incumbent Joel Stave. McEvoy clearly offers more upside for the Badger offense however it is tough to question what Stave was able to do in 2013. Whoever is calling the signals has the benefit of one of the best running games in the country lead by Melvin Gordon. Assuming Wisconsin is able to replace 4 of their top 6 lineman from 2013, Gordon should have no problem eclipsing the 1500 yard barrier. Less than 50 career receptions return for a group of wide receivers who are deep on talent but light on experience. As usual, Wisconsin figures to be tough against the run as Konrad Zagzebski, Warren Herring and Bryce Gilbert will fill holes up front. Chris Boland has been lost to graduation however the Badgers have plenty of potential at linebacker, specifically sophomore Vince Biegel. Nearly the entire secondary returns and should be a strength for Bucky and the boys.

Wisconsin opens up the fall of 2014 with a very difficult neutral site game vs LSU. After that, Western Illinois, Bowling Green and South Florida visit Camp Randall Stadium in Madison. The conference schedule begins favorably with battles against Northwestern, Illinois, Rutgers and Purdue among the first 5 games. The Big Ten West Division will be decided in November when the Badgers host Nebraska and travel to Iowa.

PREDICTION: 6-2 IN THE BIG TEN, 9-3 OVERALL