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Wisconsin Football: 5 reasons to be optimistic for 2018

By Brian Sampson

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Paul Chryst of the Wisconsin Badgers cheers during the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Paul Chryst of the Wisconsin Badgers cheers during the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 01: Quintez Cephus #87 of the Wisconsin Badgers scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the Utah State Aggies at Camp Randall Stadium on September 1, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 01: Quintez Cephus #87 of the Wisconsin Badgers scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the Utah State Aggies at Camp Randall Stadium on September 1, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

5. Offensive weapons

This is something new to Badgers’ fans. Traditionally, they’ve had a power running game they’ve relied upon to the extreme. They’d continue to hand the ball off play after play, daring teams to stop them. And, usually, lesser talented teams couldn’t do it. It wasn’t until they came up against other teams of equal quality or better where they struggled.

However, this season is different. Much different.

Last season’s top target, Troy Fumagalli, is gone to the NFL, but all of their other weapons return and they return with a potential we haven’t seen in a long time. A.J. Taylor, Quintez Cephus and Danny Davis combine to give Alex Hornibrook three solid to good weapons in the passing game. Jonathan Taylor is also an underrated pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Most fortunately, the Badgers might already have a replacement for Fumagalli a lot sooner than they originally thought. Jake Ferguson, the grandson of Athletic Director Barry Alvarez, lit it up at Spring Practice and has the potential to make some flash plays this season. All of these weapons should make it easier in the passing game.

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