The 2017 Wisconsin Badgers should challenge for a Big Ten title once again, but they have some big shoes to fill on both sides of the ball if they wish to do so.
The Wisconsin Badgers dominated the Big Ten West Division in 2016, displaying a devastating rushing attack, and a defense loaded with star power. Some of those big name players are gone as the team heads into the 2017 season, though they are still the favorite to represent the division in the Big Ten Championship Game. They will need to get better play from their quarterback but seem to have all the talent needed to make another run towards the Rose Bowl.
Last season, the Badgers finished with an 11-3 record, as they got off to a fast 4-0 record. Though they would lose the next two games, they would finish the regular season by reeling off six straight wins, earning their spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. They would lose to Penn State in the title game, but were actually in control for much of the game, before the Nittany Lions righted the ship and earned their spot in the Rose Bowl against USC.
In their bowl game, the Badgers would take care of Western Michigan 24-16 in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, finishing the year on a high note. They will be looking to avenge their loss in the Big Ten Championship Game in 2017, and with a fairly decent schedule ahead of them, they will likely be back in the conference title game.
Wisconsin will kick off their 2017 campaign against Utah State at home, followed by another home matchup against FAU. In week 3, they will hit the road for their first away game, as they travel west to take on BYU. Their Big Ten schedule will begin with their next game, as they welcome the Northwestern Wildcats to Camp Randall Stadium.
The Badgers have a bunch of talent on both sides of the ball but will have to replace two guys who were drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. They will also need to replace one of the better running backs in school history, so the Badgers definitely have their work cut out for them. However, they have a solid coaching staff in place and a veteran team that should be a double-digit win squad again in 2017.