2006 record: 9-4, 5-3 (3rd in Big Ten)
2006 bowl: Lost to Tennessee 24-21 in Outback Bowl
2006 final AP/coaches' ranking: 24/21
Coach: Bret Bielema (21-5, 2 years)
Offensive coordinator: Paul Chryst (4th year)
Defensive coordinator: Dave Doeren (1st year)
Returning offensive starters: 8
Returning defensive starters: 9
Location: Madison, Wis.
Stadium: Camp Randall Stadium (artificial, 80,321)
Last league title: 1999
2007 schedule: [view]
2006 statistics: [view]

Offensive: For the third straight season, Wisconsin has a new starter at quarterback. That’s certain. But it’s a pick between fifth-year senior Allan Evridge, who started six games at Kansas State in 2005, and junior Dustin Sherer, who has attempted only three passes after three seasons in the program. The new QB’s main job is simple: Hand the ball to junior running back P.J. Hill, by far the most compelling force on Wisconsin’s offense. The team’s top target is senior tight end Travis Beckum, maybe America’s best player at his position. There is much experience on the offensive line, which returns four starters, including a guard with All-American potential, Kraig Urbik.

Defensive: Three starters are returning from ACL surgery — senior defensive tackle Jason Chapman, senior cornerback Allen Langford and sophomore cornerback Aaron Henry. If they are completely healthy, Wisconsin shouldn’t miss a beat. The leadership will be provided at linebacker, where all three starters return, Jonathan Casillas, Elijah Hode and DeAndre Levy.

Specialists: The Badgers don’t expect any worries, even while going with freshman place-kicker Philip Welch and freshman punter Brad Nortman. David Gilbreath (14.0-yard average) was the Big Ten’s leading punt returner.

Coaching: So far, Bret Bielema has made it look easy, going 21-5 in two seasons. Bielema, the hand-picked successor of Barry Alvarez, has been a good stylistic match for the Badgers, emphasizing a power running game and rugged defensive play.

Game of the year Oct. 4 vs. Ohio State The Badgers aren’t scared of the Buckeyes. They have beaten Ohio State in three of the last five meetings (and led 17-10 in the third quarter last season before falling 38-17 in Columbus).

Heisman Hopefuls: Hill, who has 2,805 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in two seasons, should receive consideration if his productivity continues.

Overview: The schedule-makers did no favors for the Badgers. Wisconsin opens Big Ten play with consecutive games against Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State — the first time any team began league games with that trio of traditional powerhouses. Look for Wisconsin to ride Hill’s legs — and a suffocating defense — into another successful season in the Big Ten, one that should result in Bielema’s third consecutive New Year’s Day bowl game.

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