Wisconsin Football 2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds | Sportsbookbuzz.com

Wisconsin Football 2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds

As the 2011 NCAA Football Season approaches, we are providing season previews for every college football teams to give you the betting edge. Follow the best College Football Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2011 season preview. Be sure to bookmark SportsbookBuzz.com your source for Sportsbook Reviews. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the College Football in our recommend sportsbooks.View the rest of our 2011 NCAA Football Season Previews here.

2010 Record: 11-2 Big 10 Record: 7-1 (T-1st) 2011 Returning Starters: 13; 5 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter

Coach: Bret Bielema, 49–16 (5 years)

Offensive Coordinators: Paul Chryst Defensive Coordinators: Chris Ash

2011 Wisconsin Players to Watch: QB Jon Budmayr, RB Montee Ball, RB James White, C Peter Konz, WR Nick Toon, LB Mike Taylor, LB Chris Borland, FS Aaron Henry

2011 Wisconsin Strengths:
Forget the image of Badgers running backs as primarily bruisers. running between the tackles. This backfield has the best speed in recent memory, adding home-run potential while running behind another punishing line. The defensive line lacks standouts but has exceptional depth.

2011 Wisconsin Weaknesses:
Wisconsin has only two healthy scholarship quarterbacks, meaning it’s Jon Budmayr or bust, as junior Curt Phillips rehabs from a third knee surgery. There’s also a lack of depth at wide receiver, while the tight ends are fairly young, Borland must stay healthy because the defense needs playmakers.

2011 Wisconsin Offense:

UW has featured a balanced attack since offensive coordinator Paul Chryst returned in 2005, but the Badgers could be a bit more run-heavy in 2011, particularly early. Chryst has to replace quarterback Scott Tolzien, who completed 72.9 percent of his passes in winning the Unitas Award last season and was 21–5 in two seasons a starter. Also gone is tight end Lance Kendricks, who led UW in catches (43), receiving yards (663) and touchdown catches (five) last season, as well as three experienced wide receivers. Despite the loss of All-Americans Gabe Carimi at left tackle and John Moffitt at left guard, UW’s line should be very good. Three starters are back from last season and four other players have at least one start. And with James White (1,052 yards, 14 TDs) and Montee Ball (996, 18) returning, UW figures to have the best 1-2 tailback punch in the Big Ten. Quarterback was a question mark for Wisconsin, but the arrival of Russell Wilson should ease those concerns. Wilson started for three seasons at NC State, but his decision to pursue a baseball career led to his departure from the Wolfpack. Wilson will be eligible immediately and his arrival makes Wisconsin the favorite in the Big Ten’s Leaders Division for 2011.

2011 Wisconsin Defense:

UW must replace five players who started in the Rose Bowl against TCU. The most critical loss is at defensive end, where J.J. Watt (21 tackles for a loss, seven sacks) often dominated opponents. Line coach Charlie Partridge acknowledges that no single player will be able to match Watt’s productivity. Three players must elevate their level of production for the unit to be a strength ends Louis Nzegwu and David Gilbert and tackle Patrick Butrym. Butrym was the most consistent tackle on the team last year, but he needs to be more disruptive and make more plays in the backfield, though. Nzegwu and Gilbert are solid against the run, in part because they face a power-running game every day in practice. Both need to apply more consistent pressure on the quarterback. UW has the makings of a solid linebacker corps if outside linebacker Mike Taylor and middle linebacker Chris Borland can avoid injury. Borland missed the last 11 games last season after season-ending shoulder surgery. The front seven should be stout against the run but must generate more consistent pressure on quarterbacks. The secondary struggled in coverage last season, and with the loss of cornerback Niles Brinkley, it appears the secondary won’t be significantly better in 2011.

2011 Wisconsin Special Teams:

Punter Brad Nortman and kicker Philip Welch are in their fourth seasons as starters. Nortman excels at pooch punts. Welch has a big leg but can be erratic. David Gilreath left as the Big Ten’s career kickoff yardage leader. Lewis could handle kickoff returns, and wid receiver Jared Abbrederis gets first crack at returning punts.

2011 Wisconsin Football Schedule | Wisconsin Football Sportsbooks

2011 Wisconsin Predictions:

The Badgers produced two 1,000-yard rushers last season and should be a good bet to equal than number in 2011. James White is back after leading the team with 1,052 yards, while Montee Ball rushed for 996 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Ball topped White in carries (163 to 156) in 2010 and is expected to be the team’s No. 1 back in 2011. With John Clay departing, Ball and White could see an increase in carries, with Zach Brown likely to see 50-75 touches this year. Fantasy players should consider both Ball and White among the top 20 running backs for 2011. Outside of the running backs, fantasy options in Madison could be thin. However, keep a close watch on the tight end position. The Badgers usually produce a fantasy contributor and Jacob Pederson is worth a look in the late rounds of fall drafts.

2011 Wisconsin Betting Odds:

Wisconsin Current odds to win a National Championship: +1500

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NCAA Football Handicapping Picks

Check out our weekly Sports Handicapping Picks from the world’s best handicappers. Trust our handicapping experts offering premium and free NCAA Football Picks and packages daily. Also stay up to date with weekly College Football Matchups, and buy some picks to win some BIG cash this football season at our recommended sportsbooks.

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