In Badger football, it seems inevitable that every season will convey a completely different dynamic. The first two weeks of Wisconsin's season have proven no exception to the rule in a year of incredibly high expectations. Last season, many of the team's younger players took on huge roles at impact positions, most notably running back P.J. Hill and tight end Travis Beckum. This season the depth chart feels more solidified, but this youthful roster still has plenty of room for impact players who are likely to be called upon to make the right play at the right time. Here are a couple of predictions for impact categories and players to watch throughout the season.
Team MVP: Jack Ikegwuonu
Simply put, he is one of the top corners in the country and the best player for Wisconsin. He can shut down receivers, play the run and unleash piledriving tackles. Ikegwuonu is in his second year starting but has made an impact since he stepped on the field as a freshman. The most telling stat is that Ikegwuonu has registered only four tackles in two games. This means that opponents are neither throwing to the receivers that he is covering nor designing running plays to his side. With his ability to take away half of the field, Ikegwuonu will be the Badger's MVP.
Breakout Offensive player: Garrett Graham
It appeared in training camp that Graham would find playing time hard to come by at a crowded position already held by two experienced tight ends in junior Travis Beckum and senior Andy Crooks. However, an early season hamstring injury to Crooks has changed the entire team dynamic as Graham has seen a lot of action in the Badgers' first two contests. He has also earned a lot of trust from head coach Brett Bielema with Tyler Donovan, calling on Graham in key situations, and Graham has delivered with two touchdowns in the red zone. Graham has established himself as a serious threat offensively and could take advantage of defenses that will overlook him in favor of the offensively-gifted Beckum.
Breakout Defensive player: Shane Carter
The brother of future Hall of Famer Chris Carter has some big shoes to fill, replacing two-year starter Roderick Rodgers. Carter has already made nine tackles and snared a momentum-shifting interception against UNLV. Carter brings excellent physical skills and a hard-hitting mentality. His work against Washington State helped stifle a potent passing offense. He needs experience and will get it in a trial-by-fire this season. Safety is one of the most unforgiving positions on the field. Failures are magnified and good plays are rarely noticed. Carter has all the tools to put together a good season and, with the playing time he has already gotten, should be headed for an excellent year.
Impact Freshman: Kyle Jefferson
Though he has yet to catch a pass this season, the Ohio native could play a big role this season. Paul Hubbard's ligament injury leaves a starting receiver spot open. Jefferson could fill that role. He is 6'5', 195 lbs. and brings nice speed to the position. Jefferson was the MVP of his high school team where he played tight end but only caught 32 balls as a senior. The blocking ability that he learned as a tight end should go a long way toward getting him onto the field. Expect Jefferson to make an impact as part of a cadre of receivers who will split time across from Luke Swan.
Biggest Game: at Ohio State
Two weeks ago this topic probably would have received little debate: a Badger home finale Nov. 10 against the Michigan Wolverines had Big Ten Championship implications written all over it. But thanks to startling upsets in Ann Arbor by Appalachian State and Oregon, the focus of Wisconsin's most important contest has shifted to Columbus, Ohio against Ohio State. The Buckeyes have been often overlooked this season after a loss in the National Championship Game last season and several stars going to the NFL, but Ohio State is still extremely competitive, giving up just eight total points in its first two contests and gettng impressive performances from running back Chris Wells and wide receiver Brian Robiskie. Columbus presents a hostile environment and this will likely rejuvenate this Big Ten rivalry after its one-year hiatus in scheduling.
