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Wisconsin Football: Ranking the opponents Part 2

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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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 25: Clayton Thorson #18 of the Northwestern Wildcats runs the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 25: Clayton Thorson #18 of the Northwestern Wildcats runs the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

4. Northwestern Wildcats

The Northwestern Wildcats probably have as much stability as anyone in the conference given Pat Fitzgerald is entering his 13th season at the University. Fitzgerald has gone 87-65 during his time there which is pretty incredible. In 2018, his team is projected to fall a bit from their 10-3 record last season and drop closer to .500.

Quarterback Clayton Thorson is back and will be relied upon more than ever. Northwestern loss running back Justin Jackson which will allow defenses to focus most of their attention on the passing game. Thorson has yet to prove he can thrive in those conditions.

The defense has a couple of holes to fill as well, especially in their secondary. However, they have good enough players in the front seven to make up and hide some of those deficiencies.

The Badgers travel to Northwestern this season which makes things a bit more challenging for Wisconsin. However, they are supremely talented and too well-coached to allow a team like the Wildcats to upset them in October.

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