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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 – NOVEMBER 9: Defensive back Jim Leonhard #18 of the UW Badgers runs the ball after intercepting a pass during the NCAA Big Ten Conference football game against the Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium on November 9, 2002 in Madison, Wisconsin. The University of Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the University of Wisconsin Badgers 37-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 9: Defensive back Jim Leonhard #18 of the UW Badgers runs the ball after intercepting a pass during the NCAA Big Ten Conference football game against the Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium on November 9, 2002 in Madison, Wisconsin. The University of Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the University of Wisconsin Badgers 37-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

3. Jim Leonhard’s defense

Jim Leonhard was a stud for three seasons at Wisconsin from 2002-2004. He was never the most athletically gifted player, yet he relied upon his extremely high football I.Q. and instincts to take over games. And these are the same skills that have translated to his high success as a defensive coordinator.

The Badgers also lost a TON of talent off last year’s team including Nick Nelson, Natrell Jamerson, Jack Cichy, Leon Jacobs, Alec James and Garret Dooley. Still, they have plenty of talent remaining.

Leonhard will be tasked with the difficulty of managing the inexperienced Badgers and ensuring there isn’t a huge dropoff from one of the best defenses in the country last season. Even given Wisconsin’s increased firepower, Hornibrook will likely throw a few interceptions which back the defense into unfriendly territory. If Leonhard’s unit can harness the magic they showed last year in those situations, the unit should be okay in the long run.

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