5 Bold Predictions For Wisconsin Football In 2023

The Wisconsin Football team’s hype train is surging full steam ahead, reaching speeds previously unattained. Enthusiastic fans are reveling in the remarkable transformation orchestrated by new head coach Luke Fickell, eagerly anticipating the prospects that lie ahead in the upcoming 2023 season.

Unless you’ve been living beneath a rock since December, it’s evident that Fickell’s influence has been profound. He’s ushered in an air-raid offense, an influx of fresh talent, and a new defensive coordinator, all working in tandem to propel Wisconsin football into the modern era.

While an entire season remains to be played, Fickell and the Badgers undeniably stand out as one of the offseason’s biggest winners (if such an award exists). Without further ado, here are five bold predictions about what lies ahead for Wisconsin.

Here are five bold predictions for the suddenly electrifying Wisconsin Football team and how the Badgers will fare in 2023.

Wisconsin’s Defense Takes A Hit

Under Jim Leonhard’s guidance, the Badgers had become accustomed to a standard of excellence on defense. Their dominance over nearly every opponent was almost routine. However, the University took a different path last December, opting not to elevate Leonhard to the head coaching position and instead choosing Fickell.

While this decision has infused excitement, it has also resulted in the departure of one of the nation’s sharpest defensive minds. Consequently, it’s reasonable to anticipate a decline in Wisconsin’s defensive prowess.

The Badgers are transitioning from a 3-4 alignment to a 3-3-5 formation, aimed at bolstering their ability to counter pass-heavy and spread offenses. Nevertheless, they will face challenges in stopping the running game, especially given the absence of key players like Nick Herbig and Keanu Benton. Wisconsin’s defense will undoubtedly remain potent, yet it’s unlikely to maintain the level of dominance we’ve grown accustomed to.

Wisconsin Will Have 3,000-Yard Passer, 1,000-Yard Runner, And 1,000-Yard Receiver

This trifecta achievement would mark an unprecedented peak in Wisconsin’s offensive history.

Tanner Mordecai’s impressive feat of surpassing 3,500 passing yards in each of the past two seasons looms large. Remarkably, these figures would have shattered the Badgers’ single-season passing yardage record, currently held by Russell Wilson at 3,175 yards. Wilson stands as the sole Wisconsin quarterback to have breached the 3,000-yard threshold in a single season, but Mordecai stands poised to become the second such player.

In the realm of rushing, securing a 1,000-yard milestone appears to be the most attainable facet of this ambitious trifecta. Wisconsin’s storied legacy of exceptional running backs sets the stage, and Braelon Allen possesses the potential to etch his name alongside the school’s finest. With defenses potentially lightening their fronts against him this year, Allen seems primed to carve through them.

When it comes to receivers, Wisconsin’s history has witnessed merely four instances of a 1,000-yard season—courtesy of Lee Evans (twice), Brandon Williams, and Jared Abbrederis. However, given Mordecai’s anticipated 3,000-yard passing season, logic dictates that a fifth addition to this list is plausible. While Chimere Deke takes the lead as the frontrunner, dark horse contenders in CJ Williams and Bryson Green also warrant consideration.

Wisconsin Will Win 11 Regular Season Games

The Badgers find themselves in a favorable position to clinch the Big Ten West title in its last year of existence, positioning them for a coveted spot in the Big Ten Championship. I predict they’ll reach that championship game, but ultimately fall short and miss an opportunity to secure a berth in the College Football Playoffs.

Their path will be punctuated by hard-fought triumphs against formidable opponents like Purdue, Iowa, and Illinois, showcasing their mettle throughout the season. However, their lone defeat will be inflicted upon them by Ohio State, underscoring that the Badgers still have some ground to cover before ascending to that upper echelon.

This season is poised to serve as a pivotal stepping stone for Fickell, laying the foundation for future successes during his inaugural tenure.