Wisconsin 2021 Football Preview

2020 Recap

Wisconsin opened the 2020 season with an excellent win. The Badgers were nearly flawless in a 45 – 7 thrashing of Illinois. The team then had to shut things down for two weeks due to Covid protocols and missed the next two games. The Badgers returned with a 49 – 11 win over Michigan, but the passing game did not look as smooth as it had against Illinois.

The offense really struggled over the next three games, a stretch that saw the Badgers score 7, 6 and 7 points in three consecutive losses. That stretch included another game missed due to Covid protocols and it was clear the Wisconsin season did not have any rhythm. The Badgers regrouped for a rivalry win over Minnesota to finish the regular season 3 – 3.

The Badgers played in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl and beat Wake Forest 42 – 28. It was a positive ending to an otherwise disappointing season both on the field and with the constant interruptions. With a more traditional 2021 season coming up, Wisconsin will look to bounce back and return to their winning ways.

2020 Leaders

Projected Starters

Reasons For Optimism

A Strong Group of Linebackers

Wisconsin’s defense has been built around strong linebacker play that allows them to be creative and disruptive out of their 3 – 4 front. Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal do a good job of covering ground and filling gaps on the interior. Both players excel in pursuit and are capable blitzers who can get pressure on the quarterback. On the outside, Nick Herbig emerged as a true freshman last year and was excellent getting pressure off the edge. He was very disruptive, tallying six tackles for loss in seven games. On the opposite side, Noah Burks is an experienced player who can do a bit of everything. Wisconsin has continued to recruit the position well and has young depth ready to fill in when needed. The linebacker group will be a strength for the defense in 2021.

Surprise, Surprise the Offensive Line

Wisconsin’s offensive line being a strength of the team has become one of the consistent truths of college football. Despite replacing two starters from last year’s unit, this year will be no different for the Badgers. Wisconsin appears to be shuffling their lineup from last year, allowing Tyler Beach and Logan Bruss to man the two tackle spots. Both players are proven blockers who will provide strong bookends for the unit. Center, Kayden Lyles is back to anchor the unit after doing a good job in the middle in 2020. The Badgers will have two new guards and have plenty of options to fill those two spots though Jack Nelson and John Seltzner appear to be the favorites right now, Nelson was a top recruit in the 2020 class who has quickly moved up the depth chart, while Seltzner is an experienced veteran who has played in 32 games over the last three seasons. There are plenty of talented recruits waiting for their opportunity to shine behind these five, making the Badgers’ offensive line a strength again in 2021.

Quality Receiving Threats

For as much attention as Wisconsin’s running attack deservedly gets, the 2021 offense will feature a good group of pass catchers as well. Tight End Jake Ferguson is one of the best at the position and is a mismatch for most defenders. He keeps linebackers and safeties occupied, opening up running lanes and room for other receivers to operate. At receiver, Kendrick Pryor has plenty of speed and can stretch the defense with his big play potential. Danny Davis is a good route runner who has excellent hands and regularly wins in contested situations. Chimere Dike flashed as a true freshman in 2020 and will have a larger role this season. He has game changing ability at the position and will benefit from the attention the other weapons in the offense draw. Wisconsin has the potential to be a more diverse offense with quality weapons in the passing game.

Causes For Concern

Who is the Real Graham Mertz?

Graham Mertz started the season with an incredible performance against Illinois, completing 20 of 21 passes for 248 yards and 5 touchdowns and no interceptions. Then the Covid break hit and Mertz struggled to get back in a rhythm, he did not complete 60 percent of his passes in any of the next four games and had just 3 touchdowns against 5 interceptions over that stretch. He finished the year with two solid performances against Minnesota and Wake Forest, though he never found the form he had in the opener again. Wisconsin would love to get Mertz close to where he was for the season opener, but can make do with the version we saw over the last two games. The Badgers cannot have Mertz play the way he did during the middle of 2020 for any stretch this season if they want to compete for the Big Ten title. Mertz is the key to the offense hitting it’s ceiling in 2021, so it’s imperative that he return to form this season.

Turnover on the Defensive Line

Most of Wisconsin’s defense returns for 2021, but there was significant turnover on the defensive line. Nose tackle, Keeanu Benton, is back to hold down the middle spot but both of Wisconsin’s defensive ends have moved on. With two thirds of the defensive line gone, new starters will have to emerge and the Badgers will have to find depth behind them as well. Matt Henningsen provided good depth over the past few seasons and will take over at one end spot, his ability to continue to play well in a larger role will go a long way toward solidifying the line. Isaiah Mullens is likely to start at the other end spot, he saw his role increase during 2020 and will now have the opportunity to prove himself as a starter. The Badgers will need those two to perform and for depth to develop behind them to keep the defense playing at a high level.

2021 Schedule

Top 25 Players

2021 Projection

While Wisconsin does not have an easy schedule they do get most of their tough games at home or at a neutral site. The season starts at home with a tough crossover game against Penn State. The Badgers get an early bye in week three before a much anticipated match-up against Notre Dame at Soldier Field in Chicago. The next week the Badgers will host Michigan in another challenging crossover game. The schedule eases up a bit the rest of the way, but does include home games against Iowa and Northwestern that could factor into the Big Ten West race. Wisconsin finishes the regular season with a rivalry game on the road against Minnesota. The schedule provides plenty of tough challenges though with most of them at home, Wisconsin should be able to navigate it pretty well. Ten wins is a safe bet for a team that will be hungry to right the wrongs of a strange 2020 season. That should be enough to have Wisconsin in position to represent the division in the Big Ten Championship.