(Photo Credit: Athlon Sports)
Although the #5-ranked Wisconsin Badgers are undefeated and have an excellent football team, a dark cloud hangs over the team: it will not face a ranked opponent until the Big Ten Championship Game, which will take place on December 2, 2017 at Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Indianapolis Colts) in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Badgers will most likely play either #2-ranked Penn State or #6-ranked Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. An undefeated record in regular season competition and defeating Penn State or Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game should be enough to put the Badgers in the College Football Playoff.
National Championship Dark Horse: Wisconsin Badgers
Focusing on each team it encounters each week, and not worrying about polls and external analyses and prognostications, Wisconsin positions itself for the College Playoff and the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. While most devote their dominant attention to teams like Alabama, Penn State, Georgia, TCU, Ohio State, and Clemson, they fail to see just how talented the Badgers are. Regardless of the teams the Badgers have beat, a sophisticated observer can recognize that this team matches up well with any team in the country. Any team that Wisconsin plays better be equipped to withstand the physicality it brings.
On offense, Wisconsin has arguably the best offensive line in the nation—and it’s a huge, athletic, and punishing offensive line! Freshman running back Jonathan Taylor, already receiving Heisman Trophy consideration, has 149 carries and 1,112 rushing yards. Sophomore quarterback Alex Hornibrook has completed 98 of 149 passes attempted (a completion rate of 65.8%) with 13 touchdowns. The Badgers, therefore, feature a balanced and effective offense.
The team has the #6-ranked defense in total yards.
Beware of the Wisconsin Badgers
This is one of the smartest and most disciplined teams in the nation. In his third year at Wisconsin, Head Coach Paul Chryst has a 28-6 record (an undefeated bowl record at Wisconsin). His team is simply wonderful in all three dimensions of the game: offense, defense, and special teams.
In short, with great coaching, an impressive offense, and a top-ranked defense, the Wisconsin Badgers are ready to surprise many people when they win the Big Ten Championship, advance to the College Playoff, and win the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Dr. Antonio Maurice Daniels
University of Wisconsin-Madison
