College Football Preview: Wisconsin looking to challenge for Big Ten title

Last season the Wisconsin Badgers (9-4, 6-2 Big Ten) had a solid year but the 2014 season provides a new set of challenges. Wisconsin Coach Gary Andersen knows his team has to prove itself early this season.

He said, “We’re a young football team, and I’m excited about this football team. But I do not view it as a rebuilding year. These kids expect to play at a high level every week, and we expect to jog out on the field and put ourselves in a position to win football games.”

With 10 returning starters for the Badgers, the good news is running back Melvin Gordon is back as one of the best in the nation. Talk about depth, if he goes down Corey Clement is more than an average backup. The problem is newcomer Tanner McEvoy takes over as quarterback, replacing last year’s starter Joel Stave. While receivers are an issue, one of the team’s best units is its offensive line.

Experience is an issue on defense with a new front seven starting this season. Add in the fact the Badgers open against LSU, odds are Wisconsin will be mounting an uphill battle all season to be a part of the first ever College Football Playoff.

ODDS to win the National Championship: 24/1