OFFENSE

UW has featured a balanced attack since offensive coordinator Paul Chryst returned in 2005, but the Badgers could be a bit more run-heavy in 2011, particularly early. Chryst has to replace quarterback Scott Tolzien, who completed 72.9 percent of his passes in winning the Unitas Award last season and was 21–5 in two seasons a starter. Also gone is tight end Lance Kendricks, who led UW in catches (43), receiving yards (663) and touchdown catches (five) last season, as well as three experienced wide receivers.

Despite the loss of All-Americans Gabe Carimi at left tackle and John Moffitt at left guard, UW’s line should be very good. Three starters are back from last season and four other players have at least one start. And with James White (1,052 yards, 14 TDs) and Montee Ball (996, 18) returning, UW figures to have the best 1-2 tailback punch in the Big Ten.

Quarterback was a question mark for Wisconsin, but the arrival of Russell Wilson should ease those concerns. Wilson started for three seasons at NC State, but his decision to pursue a baseball career led to his departure from the Wolfpack. Wilson will be eligible immediately and his arrival makes Wisconsin the favorite in the Big Ten's Leaders Division for 2011.

DEFENSE

UW must replace five players who started in the Rose Bowl against TCU. The most critical loss is at defensive end, where J.J. Watt (21 tackles for a loss, seven sacks) often dominated opponents. Line coach Charlie Partridge acknowledges that no single player will be able to match Watt’s productivity. Three players must elevate their level of production for the unit to be a strength — ends Louis Nzegwu and David Gilbert and tackle Patrick Butrym. Butrym was the most consistent tackle on the team last year, but he needs to be more disruptive and make more plays in the backfield, though. Nzegwu and Gilbert are solid against the run, in part because they face a power-running game every day in practice. Both need to apply more consistent pressure on the quarterback.

UW has the makings of a solid linebacker corps if outside linebacker Mike Taylor and middle linebacker Chris Borland can avoid injury. Borland missed the last 11 games last season after season-ending shoulder surgery.

The front seven should be stout against the run but must generate more consistent pressure on quarterbacks. The secondary struggled in coverage last season, and with the loss of cornerback Niles Brinkley, it appears the secondary won’t be significantly better in 2011.

Key Player

Montee Ball, RB: Emerged late to lead team in rushing TDs with 18 and averaged 6.1 yards per carry.

Ricky Wagner, LT: Moves from right tackle to left tackle and is good enough to replace Gabe Carimi, the Outland Trophy winner.

Nick Toon, WR: Missed four games because of injuries last season but still led the wide receivers in catches (36) and yards (459).

2011 Schedule

DATE	OPPONENT
Sept. 1st	UNLV
Sept. 10th	Oregon State
Sept. 17th	Northern Illinois (at Chicago, IL)
Sept. 24th	South Dakota
Oct. 1st	Nebraska
Oct. 15th	Indiana
Oct. 22nd	at Michigan State
Oct. 29th	at Ohio State
Nov. 5th	Purdue
Nov. 12th	at Minnesota
Nov. 19th	at Illinois
Nov. 26th	Penn State

SPECIALISTS

The staff should be confident in punter Brad Nortman and kicker Philip Welch, both of whom enjoyed solid seasons in 2010 and will be seniors. The return and coverage units are the problem areas. UW must find a replacement for David Gilreath, who handled punt and kick returns. The coverage units allowed too many big returns last season.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Despite the loss of several outstanding starters, UW appears equipped to challenge Ohio State for the Leaders Division title and a berth in the first Big Ten Championship Game. UW should be able to run the ball effectively, and Wilson's arrival gives the offense a steady, proven option under center for 2011.

Losing Watt is huge, but Borland was a defensive force as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2009. If he can stay healthy, the loss of Watt won’t be so profound.

The bottom line is that the staff has recruited enough talent, particularly on both lines, to compete for a division title. 

FANTASY IMPACT

The Badgers produced two 1,000-yard rushers last season and should be a good bet to equal than number in 2011. James White is back after leading the team with 1,052 yards, while Montee Ball rushed for 996 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Ball topped White in carries (163 to 156) in 2010 and is expected to be the team’s No. 1 back in 2011. With John Clay departing, Ball and White could see an increase in carries, with Zach Brown likely to see 50-75 touches this year. Fantasy players should consider both Ball and White among the top 20 running backs for 2011. Outside of the running backs, fantasy options in Madison could be thin. However, keep a close watch on the tight end position. The Badgers usually produce a fantasy contributor and Jacob Pederson is worth a look in the late rounds of fall drafts.

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