College football: 10 teams that will take the next step after big bowl win

College football team ready to make a leap No. 9: Wisconsin Badgers

Bowl Result: Def. Wake Forest 42-28 in Duke’s Mayo Bowl

The regular season was not normal for anyone in 2020 as every program had to navigate the pandemic but that seemed especially true for the Big Ten. With a late start due to the conference’s flip-flopping, there was no leeway for any COVID-19 issues, which is something that the Wisconsin Badgers learned the hard way.

Throughout the year, Paul Chryst‘s team endured a hefty battle with the virus, which often put them behind the 8-ball. That’s why they finished the regular season with a 3-3 record and failed to live up to expectations by not making the Big Ten Championship Game. But their win in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl showed a ton of promise.

In truth, the Wisconsin offense wasn’t asked to do all that much as the Badgers defense was dominant against a high-quality Wake Forest offense. And while they will lose some seniors on that unit, the defense could retain leader Jack Sanborn at linebacker, which would be huge. Moreover, the Badgers have some depth coming up behind them.

But most importantly, it was a high note to go out on for quarterback Graham Mertz in his first season as the starter. While he only passed for 130 yards in the win and was inconsistent, his flashes throughout the year and going out on a positive note should allow him and Wisconsin as a whole to be a force next season.