2021-2022 CFB Big Ten West preview: Key players, schedule, predictions

Modified Jul 05, 2021 15:27 GMT

Wisconsin Badgers: Big Ten West

The Wisconsin Badgers have been the most successful team in the Big Ten West since the conference split into two divisions.

After missing out on the Big Ten championship game in 2020, the Badgers will look to make another run in 2021. Wisconsin returns a lot of its key players this season, chief among them being quarterback Graham Mertz.

With the Badgers returning key pieces, here's a quick look at Wisconsin's strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021-2022 season.

2021-2022 Big Ten West Conference preview: Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin's strengths: Wisconsin enters the season ranked third in the Big Ten Conference in quarterback and offensive line talent. Graham Mertz will have enough time to fix himself a sandwich with the Badgers' offensive line protecting him.

On to 2021. On, Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/RT8C1VU0rS
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) January 12, 2021

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Wisconsin weaknesses: The Badgers will struggle on the outside on defense. Their defensive secondary ranks tenth in the Big Ten. Developing a pass rush is critical for the Badgers, but their defensive line barely cracked the top ten in the Big Ten.

Wisconsin Badgers key players: Offense

QB: Graham Mertz - Wisconsin returns its top offensive talent, Graham Mertz. When Mertz has time to throw the football, he's one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten. With the Badgers' massive offensive line, having time to throw the ball will be the least of Graham Mertz's worries.

Madtown he’s coming home 🏡 2022 All-American Joe Brunner (@brunnerjoe_) has committed to the University of Wisconsin. #OnWisconsin 🦡 #AllAmericanBowl 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/zdYXYv3q1l
— All-American Bowl (@AABonNBC) June 29, 2021

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TE: Jake Ferguson - Ferguson has been the most reliable target for all the Wisconsin Badgers quarterbacks. He caught 99 passes in his three years at Wisconsin. Jake Ferguson has also recorded four receiving touchdowns twice during his time with the Badgers. Look for the senior tight end to have a big year in 2021.

Wisconsin Badgers key players: Defense

LB: Jack Sanborn - After appearing in just four games in his freshman season, Jack Sanborn has grown into a leader for the Badgers defense. Sanborn enters his senior season with 85 solo tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and four interceptions.

LB: Leo Chenal - Wisconsin has had excellent luck with the linebacker position in recent years. Leo Chenal is another example of the talent the Badgers have been able to produce. Chenal registered 44 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks and one interception during the 2020 season.

2021-2022 Wisconsin Badgers schedule

Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. Penn State Nittany Lions

Week 2: Saturday, September 11 vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles

Week 3: Saturday, September 25 vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Week 4: Saturday, October 2 vs. Michigan Wolverines

Week 5: Saturday, October 9 at Illinois Fighting Illini

Week 6: Saturday, October 16 vs. Army Black Knights

Week 7: Saturday, October 23 at Purdue Boilermakers

Week 8: Saturday, October 30 vs. Iowa Hawkeyes

Week 9: Saturday, November 6 at Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Week 10: Saturday, November 13 vs. Northwestern Wildcats

Week 11: Saturday, November 20 vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Week 12: Saturday, November 27 at Minnesota Golden Gophers

2021-2022 Wisconsin Badgers prediction (11-1 overall, 9-0 Big Ten)

Wisconsin will face a big test to open the season against Penn State and Notre Dame. The Badgers should split the two games by beating Penn State but losing to Notre Dame. Wisconsin will not face another test until they welcome Iowa on October 30. The winner of that game will determine who represents the Big Ten West in the Big Ten championship game.

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Edited by Colin D'Cunha