3. Wisconsin

Rivals says: Boise State

I say......

3. Wisconsin Badgers

Call this one my national championship game dark horse, I know most people have them ranked outside the top ten, but I think too many people are overlooking this team. The Badgers have the conferences best and most proven offense, and a top ten defense. Unlike Ohio State and Iowa, there is no weak spot that stands out at all, and this team finished well above expectations last year. The main gripe I've heard about Wisconsin is "they're Wisconsin, and they always let people down when hopes are high." I'm sorry but I don't think thats a fair reason to lower their starting position, just because other teams that have been good played below expectations. I not putting Notre Dame in my top 25 because of their history, why should I leave the Badgers out of my top 5 because of theirs? This may be the most well rounded team in the Big 10 or even the nation.

The offense is led by third year starter Scott Tolzien, a mediocre QB in every way, but considering the way poor QB play hurt every other contender in the Big 10 a year ago, Tolzien looks outstanding comparatively. He is consistent, smart, if a little average statistically. The big thing is that in a league so dominated by defense, he won't lose games for you. The load on Tolzien is much lighter thanks to RB John Clay. Clay is a bruising back in trend with other Badger legends such as Ron Dayne at his position. Clay quietly rushed for over 1400 yards last year, and if the Badgers are a top 5 mainstay this season, he will be getting Heisman chatter. The real leaders on this team are up front however, the offensive line is probably the best in the country. Guard John Moffitt is going to be an all-american and the players on the line average a whopping 321 pounds per person. On top of that, seven linemen have starting experience. The Badgers are as good an offense as you will find in the Big 10.

The defense is probably the second best in the conference behind Ohio State, most will argue Iowa's is better, but it's not, just the line is. The Badgers have the best linebackers in the Big 10 and plenty of experience there to go with the talent returns all but one starter, and the top three backups. The unit ranked fifth in the nation against the run last season and should still be able to stay around the top ten even with some losses on the line. The secondary is probably where the most concern is, although, there is enough talent there to handle the apathetic QB's that the conference offer this year.

The schedule is really, really nice. The Badgers, if they play to their talent, have a two game schedule. Oct. 16 at home against Ohio State and the following week at Iowa. The out of conference schedule is a joke, and Penn State is not on the schedule this year. Big 10 games are never a given, and Michigan, Michigan State, and Purdue are good teams, but the Badgers are simply much better.

Prediction: Winner Big 10, Rose Bowl.