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...Wisconsin loses a defensive end to poor grades. Does UW have enough players left to field a team for the season opener? I've lost track.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/f ... index.html

Zom wrote:...Wisconsin loses a defensive end to poor grades. Does UW have enough players left to field a team for the season opener? I've lost track.

That program is definitely having some challenges going into next year.

They will still be good. I remains to be seen if BG can capitalize on their being relatively thin to start the season.

Yes, it looks like UW's O line is anything BUT thin, according to ESPN's recent write up on Big10 Spring talent at http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2433296. They are still eating their porridge for breakfast up there, that's for sure.

they do have a monsterous O-line but they have a lot of question marks about everywhere else

"Fall Questions: How effectively can former TB Brian Calhoun be replaced? Remember, he was not only a great runner, but also one of the team's best receivers. With Booker Stanley booted off the team, the Badgers are left with a redshirt freshman (P.J. Hill) with no game experience and a junior (Walker) and a walk-on (Rowan) with little game experience. Expected starter Hill, forced to miss last season after breaking his leg in preseason practice, at least has history behind him. Since 1990, Wisconsin's first-year starters at this position have averaged 1,700 yards and 16 TDs. … QB John Stocco is back, but his receiving corps is as barren as a keg on a late Saturday night in Madison. The Badgers lost their top seven pass catchers from 2005, which leaves Marcus Randle El as the top statistical returner. That's no joke. Randle El played in five games, caught one pass for 29 yards and is the leading receiver. So it wasn't exactly surprising to see all the dropped balls and QB-WR miscommunication that marred spring practice. UW better hope the three freshmen can contribute immediately. … The situation at tight end isn't any clearer. After losing both tight ends to the NFL, the Badgers turn to a former linebacker (Andy Crooks), a former defensive end (Travis Beckum) and a former quarterback (Sean Lewis). So what happened to the offense formerly known as 34-points-per-game? Even the backup QB position hasn't been claimed. Wisconsin needs some answers by September. … It sounds strange to say after last year, but the D might actually carry the offense at times this season. The Badgers could stand to get better against the run, but cornerback is really the only possible worry spot on what should be a much-improved defense. Jack Ikegwuonu and Allen Langford have some starting experience at corner, but the depth consists of a pair of walk-ons."

We will really need the young d-lineman to play well or else their anemic offense won't matter. I think I'll puke if they're able to run the ball like that again. I'm optimistic about our defense this year. I have no clue what to expect from our offense.

If Turner doesn't play, will it really matter if Wisconsin is missing 20 players that day?

San Diego Falcon wrote:If Turner doesn't play, will it really matter if Wisconsin is missing 20 players that day?

I'd say, Turner or not, Wisconsin will be hurt, but still a great team. For that matter, Turner is replacable. From what I have seen of him, he's adequate, but nothing to write home about.

This sure does seem to be a good year to be playing Wisconsin, providing you aren't replacing ALL your key offensive players and have BG's defense..... I am still seriously pumped up for this game. My wife and I will be there for sure with our two freebies from our season tickets!

Yup, I'm fired up too. I'm bringing myself and two of my home boys all the way from the hollowed grounds of West Lafayette, Indiana aka Purdue Country

BG will be much improved defensively and special teams but the offense will definitely take a step or two back...how can it not with what we lost. I think our O will still be good enough to contend in the East.

ONLY 117 days til kickoff....oh, and 15 hrs, 7 min and 10 seconds.

GO FALCONS!!

I think we've got a shot to compete for the MAC East title. Despite our improvements on defense and special teams, I'm struggling to believe we can give Wisky the game we gave them in 2005.

I honestly don't see how you can lose to Wiscy, given their glaring deficiencies. I suspect it will be an enormous disappointment if you don't win by at least 2 scores. What a great time to schedule them. Congrats in advance!

h2oville rocket wrote:I honestly don't see how you can lose to Wiscy, given their glaring deficiencies. I suspect it will be an enormous disappointment if you don't win by at least 2 scores. What a great time to schedule them. Congrats in advance!

Sorry, the "my sarcasm isn't funny" forum is over there ... --->

1987alum wrote:I think we've got a shot to compete for the MAC East title. Despite our improvements on defense and special teams, I'm struggling to believe we can give Wisky the game we gave them in 2005.

From the looks of things this won't be a 56-42 type affair.

More like a 28-21 type game.

Less offense for both teams and better defense for Wisconsin. (at least)

Jamal Cooper projected to be our best pass rushing DE, but Matt Shaunessy was pretty darned good last season as a true frosh. Barring further attrition, UW should be fine in the defensive line.

BigAppleBucky wrote:

1987alum wrote:I think we've got a shot to compete for the MAC East title. Despite our improvements on defense and special teams, I'm struggling to believe we can give Wisky the game we gave them in 2005.

From the looks of things this won't be a 56-42 type affair.

More like a 28-21 type game.

Less offense for both teams and better defense for Wisconsin. (at least)

Jamal Cooper projected to be our best pass rushing DE, but Matt Shaunessy was pretty darned good last season as a true frosh. Barring further attrition, UW should be fine in the defensive line.

If I had to make an early score prediction, I'd say something like 28-17 Wisky or something else in that range. We'll need some big plays to be in it at the end. Hopefully our front seven will still be angry about last year and not play like a bunch of women.