Eleven games remain, starting today with the first of four home contests.
Alabama wasn't the coming out party new Coach Paul Chryst (pronounced Crist) and his team wanted. It seemed there were several good moments exhibited by the Badgers in the national TV game.
The offense showed some balance between run and pass. The quarterback maintained his poise in the face of relentless rush. There were failings on each side of the ball, but Wisconsin battled all game. I believe the persistence demonstrated is a quality this team can carry through the season and one which will help them the next time the flow of the game goes against them.
The new season starts today. The mistakes, forgotten assignments, and loss of confidence could damage a team permanently. Or it can stoke an internal flame inside each cardinal uniform.
Bucky will be favored today against Miami of Ohio. And against Troy and Hawaii during the next two games inside Camp Randall. Iowa opens the B1G slate at home.
Off to Nebraska, at home with Purdue, at Illinois, home for Rutgers, a trip east to Maryland before a week off and a finish with Northwestern in Madison and a road trip to Minnesota.
The Badgers should win the next three non-conference games. In conference, I expect wins over Iowa, Purdue, Illinois, Rutgers, and Northwestern. The games with Nebraaska, Maryland, and Minnesota are likely the most difficult ahead.
If the glimpses of promise Saturday weren't a mirage, I think Wisconsin goes 11 - 1 on the year and make a repeat appearance in the B1G Championship.
If the Tide truly did change the momentum of their season it looks like 9 - 3 is a worst case scenario.
Both good seasons. The opportunity to be something special slipped out of the Badger claws last weekend. Now it's up to the collective animal to determine what gets brought home when season ends.
Go Badgers!
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