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Wisconsin Football: 5 best Badgers’ offenses of all-time

By Jim Quinlan

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)
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) /
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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Quarterback Russell Wilson #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers passes the ball as Ricky Heimuli #90 of the Oregon Ducks rushes in at the 98th Rose Bowl Game on January 2, 2012 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Quarterback Russell Wilson #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers passes the ball as Ricky Heimuli #90 of the Oregon Ducks rushes in at the 98th Rose Bowl Game on January 2, 2012 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

1. 2011:  The Russell Wilson Year

The Badgers scored a school record 44.1 points per game ranking them sixth nationally in 2011. The big difference with this Badgers’ team was obviously Russell Wilson. He is, by far, the best quarterback the Badgers have ever had. He threw for 3175 yards with 33 touchdowns, both school records.  He really appeared to have no weaknesses as a QB.  He was a smart scrambler, had great pocket presence, and was clutch.  Most fans that watched the games closely knew he’d have a career in the NFL but he has far exceeded most people’s expectations.

The rest of the 2011 team was pretty incredible too. The 2011 version of Nick Toon and Jared Abbrederis are probably the best tandem in Badger’s history.

The running backs were Montee Ball, James White, Jeff Lewis, and freshman Melvin Gordon. Wisconsin also had solid contributors in tight end Jacob Pederson, fullback Bradie Ewing, and wide receiver Jeff Duckworth (that Mich. St. catch!).

It was a weird year for the Badgers as the defense was inexplicably bad, but the offense was so good that they nearly won every game.  If it wasn’t for a couple hail marys against Michigan State and Ohio State, this team probably could have been in the national championship versus Alabama. The 2011 squad was no-doubt the best offense in Badgers history and probably will be until Wisconsin can find another Russell Wilson.

Statistics referenced from https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/

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