Wisconsin Badgers
2000 record: 9-4 (4-4).
Coach: Barry Alvarez (12th year, 79-48-4.
Starters returning: (5 offense, 5 defense).
Outlook: Alvarez has seen his No. 1 tailbacks rush for at least 1,000 yards in each of the last eight seasons, a Big Ten record. The most pertinent number regarding UW's current corps of tailbacks is zero. Anthony Davis, Tyron Griffin and Jerone Pettus -- all redshirt freshmen and the only true tailbacks on the roster -- have a combined zero carries in college. Surprisingly, the coaches don't seem to be worried. Alvarez believes two consistent runners will emerge, and the team's plan to implement the spread offense will aid both the young backs and an offensive line that lost three four-year starters to the NFL. After enduring several seasons without a consistent quarterback, the Badgers believe they have two capable leaders in junior starter Brooks Bollinger and sophomore backup Jim Sorgi. Both are expected to play this season.
Even more critical questions must be answered on defense. Kevin Cosgrove's unit, which was stellar in 1998 and '99 when the Badgers won consecutive Rose Bowls, allowed an uncharacteristic number of big plays last season. The coaches believe a series of fundamental breakdowns was the primary cause and can be addressed. However, the secondary is unsettled and questions remain about the depth at linebacker.
Keep an eye on: WR Lee Evans. Wide receiver Chris Chambers left UW as the school's No. 2 all-time receiver and was a second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins. Evans, a junior who will replace Chambers, could eventually be turn out to be as good, if not better. Evans, who had 33 catches for 634 yards last season, has been timed at 4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash, possesses excellent leaping ability and body control and catches the ball with his hands. With UW looking to open its offense even more this season, Evans could blossom.
Key game: The Badgers appear a year away from contending for the conference title. Nonetheless, they could be 2-0 in the Big Ten when they travel to Columbus for an Oct. 13 showdown with Ohio State. Two years ago, Wisconsin used a 42-17 victory in Columbus as a springboard to a Big Ten title. Last season, the Buckeyes whipped the Badgers in Madison, 23-7.
It's a good year if... The Badgers grow up in a hurry. Even the coaching staff senses this could be a transitional year for the Badgers, who are one of just seven Division I-A programs to win at least 30 games over the last three seasons. There is enough talent and experience at key positions such as quarterback, wide receiver and defensive line to fashion a winning season. Yet serious questions in the secondary and on special teams (punter and kicker) threaten to result in season-long inconsistency. Wisconsin should extend its string of bowls appearances to six in a row but eight victories appears to be the absolute maximum unless several freshman and first-year starters progress quickly.
Jeff Potrykus covers the Big Ten for the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
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