Wisconsin Football: 5 reasons to be optimistic for 2018

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers passes 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) /

4. Alex Hornibrook’s Orange Bowl play

Alex Hornibrook’s play will determine exactly how far this team can go in 2018. He had an up and down sophomore campaign which coincides with his up and down career so far at Wisconsin.

The last two games of the season are a perfect illustration. He went 19-for-40 with zero touchdowns and two interceptions against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game. However, he followed that up with an incredible 23-for-34 night with four touchdowns and no interceptions against Miami in the Orange Bowl.

Miami’s defense was no pushover, neither. That success could be used as a pushing off point for Hornibrook and give him the confidence he needs to take his game to the next level. If he continues to sputter, Wisconsin could be in danger of falling short of reaching the College Football Playoffs.

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