College Football Top 25: Spring practice 2016 edition

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Oct 31, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

In Paul Chryst’s first season as the head coach, the Wisconsin Badgers can label the 2015 campaign a success. Wisconsin finished 10-3 overall and was 6-2 in Big Ten play, placing third in the West behind Iowa and Northwestern.

The Big Ten is in danger of becoming very top-heavy with Michigan State, Michigan and Ohio State dominating the East last season, but the Badgers and Iowa Hawkeyes will be true threats in the West again in 2016.

Joel Stave is graduating, but that might be good for the program. Although Stave was a serviceable quarterback, the Badgers need to put someone in charge of the offense that can be more than just a game manager. That could be Bart Houston who had just 47 attempts all of last season for 281 yards, three touchdowns and two picks.

Corey Clement is a guy to watch for as well. In the long line of successful Wisconsin running backs, most recently Montee Ball and Melvin Gordon, Clement could be every bit as good as his predecessors, but he had a tough 2015 year and played in just four games. If he plays like he did as a freshman and sophomore, the Badgers’ run game will be elite again.

The Badgers also had the top scoring defense in the nation last year and will be bringing in the No. 25 recruiting class, according to Scout.com.

Next: 24. Pittsburgh Panthers

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