Please, let me state the obvious. If UW head coach Bret Bielema thought that taking over a program left behind by Barry Alvarez was too much pressure, then wait until he has to top the best record ever in Wisconsin football history when his team returns next fall.
Talk about a workaholic. Honestly, did he have to show up Alvarez in his first season? Well, Badger fans certainly aren't complaining and if they are anything like me, they can't wait until spring practices start in a few months to see how good this team really can be next season.
I know, we don't want to get greedy. The basketball team is ranked No. 2 right now so let's concentrate on a national championship on the hardcourt first. But just to bring a close to the 2006-'07 football season, let's take an early look at next year.
If you are looking for a preseason No. 1, there likely won't be a clear consensus like Ohio State in '06, but USC, Florida and Michigan are my top three.
USC's only hole will be at wide receiver, with Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith leaving. Senior quarterback John David Booty most likely won the starting job with his performance in the Rose Bowl, but if Booty stumbles at all, the fans' call for sophomore Mark Sanchez could create enough controversy to bring this team down.
Florida lost 10 defensive starters to the draft, but the Gators boasted the best freshman class this past season and not just because of wide receiver Percy Harvin and quarterback Tim Tebow. Tebow will be able to show he can throw the ball as well as run and the Gators could repeat.
Then there are the Wolverines. If you are wondering what they will look like next season, look no further than the Buckeyes of this season. Michigan returns all its offensive studs, but loses a lot on defense, including defensive tackle Alan Branch. With quarterback Chad Henne, running back Mike Hart and wide receiver Mario Manningham returning, however, Michigan will be the preseason pick to win the Big Ten.
So where does that put the Badgers?
Well, to the national media, probably third in the Big Ten behind Ohio State. Here in Wisconsin, however, you would be hard pressed to find a member of the media who hasn't bought into Bret Bielema's system. Topping his first season in wins will be nearly impossible with a harder schedule that includes going to Ohio State and hosting Michigan on back-to-back weekends. But don't tell that to any of the players.
""We need a great off-season and everyone has to put in extra effort,"" sophomore tight end Travis Beckum said. ""It might be the little things, but whatever we have to do to be successful we are going to accomplish it.""
Confidence is one thing that Wisconsin does not lack as the Badgers proved in Orlando that they can do whatever it takes to go 1-0. How else do you explain beating an excellent Arkansas team with negative five rushing yards?
After an off-season where the Badgers had to replace a head coach, a second-round running back, two linebackers, two cornerbacks, two tight ends and every known player to ever catch a football in the state of Wisconsin, the Badgers went 12-1.
Now they have to replace arguably the best quarterback in Wisconsin history, a middle linebacker, two safeties and an offensive lineman who could go as high as No. 2 in this year's NFL Draft. Somehow, that doesn't seem like a whole lot after last season—and it shouldn't.
Aubrey Pleasant and Shane Carter lack experience but should be ready to step in at safety. And let's not forget they will be helped out by junior cornerbacks Allen Langford and Jack Ikegwuonu, the class of the Big Ten at that position. Incoming freshman Josh Oglesby is already drawing comparisons to Joe Thomas and the battle at quarterback between Tyler Donovan and Allan Evridge will only make both of them better.
Wisconsin is my preseason No. 2 in the Big Ten and a Top 10 team overall. That's just me though. We know the BCS will find someway to keep the Cheeseheads out.
But if you are wondering whether it is OK to think about a Big Ten title and a possible run at a national title—that makes two of us.
Adam can be contacted at hoge@dailycardinal.com.
