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Will the Badgers Bounce Back?

I am sure that it is well known by now that the Badgers missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 20 years last season. The team was plagued with injury and inexperience (outside of Ethan Happ). However, do not expect a repeat performance this season. Despite Andy Van Vliet’s intentions to transfer and losing a trio of walk-ons to graduation, the Badgers look to be in good shape for the upcoming season. They will be returning virtually all of their scoring (95 percent) and minutes (93 percent) from last season. 

In the next few sections, you will find a breakdown of Wisconsin Basketball that includes a 2017-18 season recap, injury history, 2017-18 newcomers, Ethan Happ, incoming freshman, and a look ahead to the 2018-19 season. 

2017-18 Recap

This was the Badgers first season without the likes of Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig. These were two players that had been key to the teams success the previous four seasons. Given their departures, everyone knew that the team would not be the same. But no one thought that it would be as bad as it was. As I mentioned earlier, the team failed to reach the NCAA Tournament. But they also failed to finish above .500 and in the top four in the Big Ten, something they had not done in over 15 years. Even after losing players like Sam Dekker, Josh Gasser, and Frank Kaminsky in 2015, the team still found their way to the Sweet Sixteen. But this season, the Badgers were unable to overcome injuries and inexperience last season. 

The Badgers finished the season with a disappointing 15-18 record. But don’t let the 18 losses fool you, the Badgers played a lot of close games. In fact, 10 of their losses were by ten points or less, including eight coming by five points or less.

The Badgers were tested early, facing three AP Top 25 teams, Xavier, Baylor, and UCLA, in their first five games. They were able to hang in there with these teams, but ultimately lost all three games by a combined 17 points. Then came Big Ten play, where the Badgers were tested yet again. This resulted in a 7-11 conference record, which included knocking off the sixth ranked Purdue Boilermakers at the Kohl Center in February. They also gave the Michigan State Spartans all they could handle in the regular season finale in Madison. But despite a 30-point performance from Brad Davison, and making Spartan star, Miles Bridges, a non-factor, the Badgers fell short. Finally, in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament, the Badgers faced the top ranked Spartans for a third time. Unfortunately, it was not third times the charm. The Badgers lost the game by three points, and their season was over. 

Injuries

As I mentioned before, the Badgers had their fair share of injuries in 2017-18. With the guard position being hit the hardest. Sophomore starting point guard, D’Mitrik Trice suffered a foot injury after the tenth game, which prematurely ended his season. He was averaging 31.5 minutes, 9.4 points, 2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game at the time of his injury. Freshman guard, Kobe King, also suffered a season-ending injury, but his was to his knee. King looked good for the Badgers before his injury, averaging 19 minutes, 5.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.2 steals and 0.2 blocks per game. The silver-lining for Trice and King’s injuries were that they came early enough in the season for them to qualify for a medical redshirt. The injuries did not stop there though. Brad Davison, a freshman guard, suffered a dislocated shoulder in the fourth game of the season, though he was able to play through the injury. 

With all these injuries at the guard position, the Badgers sure seemed to be missing Jordan Hill. Hill announced that he would be doing a grad-transfer to Seattle University following the 2016-17 season. 

Newcomers

In 2017-2018 we were introduced to Brad Davison, Nate Reuvers, Aleem Ford, and Kobe King. Davison, Reuvers, and King were all true freshmen last season, and Ford was a redshirt freshman. The trio of Davison, King, and Ford, made an impact instantly. By the fifth game, Davison and Ford had made their way into the starting lineup, and King was getting big minutes off the bench. Unfortunately, like I mentioned in the previous section, King injured his knee after the tenth game, and was out for the remainder of the season. Reuvers on the other hand, had been mulling a redshirt, and did not play until the sixth game against UW-Milwaukee. Davison emerged as one of Wisconsin’s best players, behind Ethan Happ. As previously stated, he had a 30-point performance against Michigan State. But what made this even more special, was that he was the first Badger freshman to do it in over 20 years (Sam Okey, 1996). He finished the season averaging 12.1 points per game, winning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, twice, and being named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team! Additionally, Reuvers and Ford added depth to the forward position at Wisconsin. Reuvers showed that he has a lot of potential, which is exciting for the future of Wisconsin basketball. Ford on the other hand, showed that he can be a threat from beyond the arc. He shot just about 41 percent from three last season. All four of these freshmen showed that they have a bright future for the Badgers, and can take pressure off their best player, Ethan Happ.  

History for Happ 

Don’t worry, be HAPPy! Exactly two weeks ago, Ethan Happ officially announced that he would be returning to Wisconsin for his senior season. This news sent Badger fans everywhere into a frenzy. Happ was the best player for the Badgers last season, and has had an important role in their offense in each of his three seasons. With the rest of the team being relatively young, it will be great to have Happ, and his experience, back.

Additionally, Happ can make history for the Badgers during his senior campaign. He has a realistic shot at becoming the only player in Wisconsin history to finish in the top five in the five major categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Happ currently sits in ninth place in career points for the Badgers, with 1,541, with a good chance of overtaking third place this season, as he only needs 317 points. Furthermore, if he continues his scoring surge, he can join the likes of Alando Tucker and Michael Finley as the only three players in Wisconsin history to have 2,000 career points. Next up, rebounds. Happ is already in second place in Wisconsin history in career rebounds, with 875. In fact, he is only 30 rebounds away from breaking the record, and is set to be the only player with 1,000 career rebounds. Now, for his career assists. Happ is currently in 17th place, but given his current per season average, he should find himself in fifth place come seasons end. As for his career steals, Happ is in third place, with 179, which is already the most by a Forward in school history. He should have no problem joining Mike Kelley as the only two players to have at least 200 career steals. Finally, I will move to blocked shots. Happ currently has 110 blocked shots and can leave Wisconsin no worse than third in this category. In fact, his current per season average has him lined up to finish second in school history, trailing only Frank Kaminsky. 

Incoming Freshmen

For the 2018-19 season, the Badgers will welcome Taylor Currie, Joe Hedstrom, Carter Higginbottom, and Tai Strickland. Higginbottom will be walking-on, while the other three are scholarship players. Currie is a forward, Hedstrom is a center, and Higginbottom and Strickland are both guards. All four of these players will add depth to their positions and battle for a chance to play right away. 

2018-19 

With the exception of Andy Van Vliet, the Badgers will returning all seven players that made a start for them last season. Ethan Happ and Khalil Iverson were the only two players to start all 33 games, and look to be locks to start again next season. After his breakout performance last season, Brad Davison also looks to be a lock for a starting spot. D’Mitrik Trice, who should be back to 100 percent by time the season starts, has his starting spot locked up too. This leaves one starting spot left, likely to be filled by either Aleem Ford or Nate Reuvers. It should be fun to watch these two battle it out for the final spot. 

Additionally, we also get to see guard, Trevor Anderson, this season. He was forced to sit out the 2017-18 season due to NCAA transfer rules. He previously played at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he had a solid freshman season, before injuring his back. Anderson will add depth and experience to the guard position for the Badgers, something that will be nice to have. 

In conclusion, with virtually their whole team coming back, and a lot of incoming young talent, expect the Badgers to have a bounce back season in 2018-19. With their leader, Ethan Happ, back for his senior year, I think we can expect to see the Badgers back to being a 20+ win team. I believe they will also find themselves back in the NCAA Tournament after a one-year hiatus. 

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New Look Packers?

The Green Bay Packers wrapped up their Organized Team Activities on Monday. They held three of the OTA practices open to the public. This gave fans, and media, a first look at the team with newly signed free agents and draft picks. Since the moment players like Jimmy Graham and Muhammed Wilkerson were signed, fans were eager to see how they would look in the green and gold. Draft picks, Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson, also had fans buzzing during OTAs. 

Without having physically checked out the OTAs myself, I have relied on Packers beat writers and reports, as well as the team’s social media accounts to stay up to date. Based off what I have seen from their day-to-day posts, there is a lot to look forward to this season for the Packers. 

Up next for the Packers, they will hold mandatory minicamp from June 12-14. After the conclusion of minicamp, the team will be off until Training Camp, which starts July 26. 

Below you will find all of the moves the Packers have made to improve the team, and an outlook on the 2018 season. 

Offseason Changes

Most notably after the season ended, the Packers parted ways with General Manager, Ted Thompson. He served as Green Bay’s GM since 2005. But after an all around disappointing season, a change was necessary.  

Additionally, the Packers fired their offensive coordinator, Edgar Bennett, and defensive coordinator, Dom Capers. The Packers felt as though it was time to move on from Bennett, so they brought back former offensive coordinator, Joe Philbin. He was previously the team’s offensive coordinator from 2007-2011. To replace Capers, the Packers hired Mike Pettine. Mike Pettine’s defenses have never finished outside of the top ten in total defense in the NFL. However, Green Bay’s defenses have not finished in the top ten since 2010. The additions of Philbin and Pettine are huge for the success of the Packers in 2018.

Finally, at the start of the league new year, the Packers made a rather surprising, player change. They traded cornerback Damarious Randall to the Cleveland Browns for quarterback DeShone Kizer. The teams also swapped fourth and fifth round 2018 draft picks. Randall had been the Packers number one corner in 2017, but he had been rather hit or miss during his career. Nonetheless, the trade was shocking. What would it mean for the Packers secondary? Why did the Packers need another quarterback? Well, the Packers coaching staff sees promise in Kizer, and feels that he can be the backup in the future. For more on how the Packers secondary will be affected, continue reading about the Packers free agency acquisitions.  

Free Agency 

The Packers were active in free agency for what feels like the first time in forever. Yes, they made a few signings last year, but those did not pan out the way that they had hoped. This season however, the free agent signings look to have a big impact. 

New Packers General Manager, Brian Gutekunst, brought in one of the best pass-catching tight ends, Jimmy Graham. Gutekunst was able to lure Graham away from his former team, the New Orleans Saints. This signing shocked me, I really thought that Graham would reunite with the Saints. I am beyond excited to see what he will do with Aaron Rodgers throwing to him. Graham is a huge threat in the red zone. In fact, he had the most receiving touchdowns in the red zone in 2017, with ten. Just imagine the possibilities with Rodgers throwing at him.

Additionally, the Packers added to their depth at tight end by signing Marcedes Lewis. He spent the previous 12 seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lewis is also considered one of the best blocking tight ends in the game. This aspect of his game will be a great improvement from what the Packers currently have. But not to be forgotten, he can be a threat in the pass game. Though, the numbers may not look like it over the last four seasons. From 2014-2017, Lewis had 78 receptions for 919 yards and eight touchdowns. However, in the two seasons prior, he had 77 receptions for 899 yards and eight touchdowns. 

Furthermore, the Packers made moves to improve their defense. They signed defensive lineman, Muhammad Wilkerson, and brought back cornerbacks Davon House and Tramon Williams. Wilkerson spent that last seven seasons with the New York Jets. His addition to the Packers adds to the already exciting defensive line of Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark. House was re-signed in 2018, after being brought back in 2017. He previously played for the team from 2011-2014, before spending the next two seasons with the Jaguars. Williams is being brought back to add a veteran presence to the Packers secondary. He previously played for the team from 2006-2014, before spending the last three seasons with the Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals. All three of these veteran players should improve the Packers defense, which has not been strong lately. 

Finally, the Packers brought in offensive lineman, Byron Bell. He previously played for the Panthers, Titans, and Cowboys. Bell could ultimately be the replacement for current Packers lineman Bryan Bulaga. Bulaga tore his ACL last season, which was the second tear of his professional career. He has also had multiple other injuries during his time with the Packers, resulting in him only playing a full 16 games twice in his eight seasons. 

Draft 

The 2018 NFL Draft took place in Dallas, Texas, April 26-28. This was the first time that the Packers had a top 20 draft pick since 2009, when they held the ninth overall selection. They were originally scheduled to pick 14th. However, on draft night, new GM, Brian Gutekunst, traded to the pick to the New Orleans Saints, for the 27th pick and their 2019 first round pick. Initially, this upset many fans, myself included. Why would we trade our highest pick in almost ten years? Every player that would be a good fit with the Packers was still available. But then, Gutekunst made a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, to move back in to the top 20. With the newly acquired 18th overall pick, the Packers selected cornerback, Jaire Alexander, out of Louisville. The player they wanted all along. 

This draft by the Packers was one of their best in recent years. They addressed all of their needs. The Packers used their first three draft picks on defense. These picks included cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson, and linebacker Oren Burks. Addressing the needs in secondary was important for the Packers. It has been constantly costing the Packers games year after year. Alexander and Jackson could be the missing pieces this defense needed. 

With the departure of Nelson, and uncertainty at the position, outside of Adams and Cobb, the Packers needed to address the wide receiver position. They did just that in the draft by selecting, J’Mon Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Equanimeous St. Brown. All three of these receivers are tall, athletic, and can really improve the Packers current wide receives room. 

Looking Ahead 

The Packers will kick off their 100th season in primetime at Lambeau Field. It will be a showdown of the NFL’s oldest rivalry, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. This will not be the first time that these two teams are meeting week one. They also met week one of the 2015 season, a game that the Packers won 31-23. In games started by Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have a 15-4 record against the Bears. I cannot wait to watch the classic rivalry under the lights at Lambeau! 

The week one game is one of five primetime games for the Packers in 2018. The other primetime match-ups include: week six against the 49ers on Monday Night Football, week nine at New England on Sunday Night Football, week 11 in Seattle on Thursday Night Football, and week 12 in Minnesota on Sunday Night Football. The Packers tie a league-lead with their five primetime games this season. 

Furthermore, the Packers will be getting starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers back from a broken collarbone. This injury limited him to nine games in 2017, and has him as a leading candidate for the 2018 Comeback Player of the Year Award in the NFL. Additionally, with all the help that the team has given him, Rodgers is set up for having another successful season in 2018. 

Finally, new number one wide receiver, Davante Adams, will continue to climb the ladder of success. He was given a 4-year contract extension prior to the final game of the 2017 season. Showing the Packers have confidence in his abilities, despite his concussion history. I have the same confidence in Adams. I believe that this will finally be the season that he reaches 1,000 receiving yards. He has been so close the last two seasons, having 997 yards in 2016, and 885 in 2017. He had a legitimate shot at reaching the milestone last season, however, he suffered a concussion against the Panthers, and had to miss the final two games. 

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Will the Badgers Reign Supreme in the Big Ten West Again in 2018?

In just 93 short days football will be back under the lights at Camp Randall Stadium. Once again, the Badgers kickoff their season on a Friday night. This year, they face the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky. I absolutely cannot wait until the season starts. I strongly believe that the Badgers will defend their crown as Big Ten West Division champions. Furthermore, I believe that the Badgers will once again, make a run at the College Football Playoff.

In 2017, the Wisconsin offense was the second highest scoring offense in the Big Ten, averaging 33.8 points per game. They trailed only Ohio State and Penn State, who both averaged 41.1 points per game. The Badgers will be returning 10 of 11 offensive starters from a season ago. They also have the reigning Big Ten Coach of the Year, in Paul Chryst. This should have them in business to replicate, if not exceed, their offensive production from last year.

The Wisconsin defense was nothing short of spectacular in 2017. They posted the number one total defense in the Big Ten. Additionally, they had the best scoring defense in the Big Ten. Allowing just 13.9 points per game, 2.6 less points per game than the next team. The Badgers also had one shutout, well, two if you take away Iowa’s Josh Jackson’s two pick-sixes. They posted their best performance against the Iowa Hawkeyes, allowing just 66 yards. Keeping the Iowa offense out of the end zone, after running up 55 points on Ohio State a week earlier. Despite losing 7 of 11 starters though, the Badger defense will be just fine. 

Below you will find a position-by-position recap of 2017 and a breakdown of what to expect in 2018. 

Quarterbacks 

Coming off his first full season as the Badgers starting quarterback, Alex Hornibrook is back in 2018 for his redshirt junior season. Hornibrook threw a career-high 25 touchdowns last season, which is the most by a Badgers quarterback since Russell Wilson threw a record-33, in 2011. He also threw for 2,644 yards, good for fifth most by a Badgers quarterback in a single season, and the most since Joel Stave threw for 2,687 in 2015. One thing Hornibrook struggled with, was throwing interceptions. He threw 15 on the season, including at least one in each of the first eight Big Ten games. He turned it around in the Badgers matchup with the Miami Hurricanes in the Orange Bowl though. He threw for 258 yards and four touchdowns, earning himself game MVP. With chemistry to build off of from 2017, Hornibrook should put up even better numbers in 2018. He might even be the first quarterback to join Russell Wilson in the 30 touchdown club.

Offensive Lineman 

The key to a good offense, is having a good offensive line. Good thing for the Badgers, this is something they have. They are returning their entire starting offensive line from 2017. This includes two NFL caliber players, Michael Dieter and Beau Benzschawel. This return will have Alex Hornibrook and Jonathan Taylor very happy. The sky is the limit for the Badger offense when they have such a strong line. 

 Wide Receivers

The current wide receivers group for the Badgers is one of, if not the deepest, they have ever had. They will be returning their top four wideouts from 2017: Quintez Cephus, Danny Davis, Kendric Pryor, and AJ Taylor. These four combined for 100 receptions for 1,573 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Quintez Cephus will be coming off a right leg injury that held him out of the Badgers final five games and most of spring practice. Prior to his injury though, Cephus was the Badgers top receiver. He had 30 receptions for 501 yards and 6 touchdowns. Though his season was cut short, his six touchdown catches still led the team. In fact, Cephus had the most touchdowns in a single season by a Badger receiver since Jared Abbrederis’ seven in 2013. Even more interesting, Cephus was on pace for 9.33 touchdowns in 2017, which would have given him the most since Lee Evans had nine in 2001. After his breakout year a season ago, look for Cephus to be even better in 2018. I don’t think it would be too far off to say that he could reach double-digit touchdowns. This would be quite the feat for the Badger receiver, as there are only two receivers in school history with double-digit touchdowns. Lee Evans did it in 2003 with 13 and Nick Toon did it in 2011 with 10. 

Danny Davis will be a true sophomore for the Badgers in 2018. He was likely to redshirt his freshman season until he surprised everyone in fall camp, giving the coaches no choice but to play him. He did not disappoint. He showed that has the potential to become the Badgers best deep threat since Jared Abbrederis (in 2013). His breakout season was capped off with a three touchdown performance in the Orange Bowl against Miami. The future is bright for Davis. Expect to see him pick up right where he left off once the season starts. 

Kendric Pryor missed the first five games of the 2017 season while recovering from facial injuries suffered from a moped accident. In addition to his receiving, Pryor also had 63 yards rushing yards and two touchdowns. Though his receiving numbers were low, 2018 looks to be a better season. He will have game experience as well as the same quarterback throwing to him. 

After a preview of his talent in 2016, AJ Taylor unleashed in 2017. He finished the season with the second most receiving yards by a Badger wide receiver. As well as finishing in a tie for second in receiving touchdowns, with Danny Davis. He had his biggest game in the Orange Bowl. He caught 8 passes for 105 yards and one touchdown. After his emergence to scene, Taylor should have no problem replicating his production from 2017 in 2018. 

Additionally, the Badgers have a few intriguing new faces coming in. Two receivers, Aron Cruickshank and Taj Mustapha, enrolled early, in January, allowing them to get a head start and participate in spring practices. By the looks of it, these newcomers will provide even more talent to this special group. These true freshmen look to follow in the footsteps of teammates: Quintez Cephus, AJ Taylor, and Danny Davis, and provide depth to the position as true freshmen. But it doesn’t end here, the Badgers will have two more wide receivers joining them in the summer, AJ Abbott and Isaac Guerendo.  

Running Backs 

“RunningBack U.” That is the nickname dubbed to the University of Wisconsin for their long history of producing great running backs. Jonathan Taylor in 2017 was no different. He had a record-setting freshman year for the Badgers. His 1,977 yards broke Adrian Peterson’s freshman rushing record of 1,925 yards. Taylor was also a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, and finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting. But the accolades did not stop there for Taylor. He won the Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year award in the Big Ten. Making him the first Badger to win the award since fellow running back James White in 2010. Taylor also led the Big Ten in rushing. Ending with 574 more yards than the next person, fellow freshman J.K. Dobbins.

When thinking of how great his freshman season was, there is only one other player to compare Taylor to, Ron Dayne. In a freshman season in Wisconsin history, Taylor is second only to Dayne in rushing yards. Dayne put up 2,109 yards in 1996 and in 2017, Taylor had 1,977. Unlike the NCAA, I am including Dayne’s bowl stats. 

With Taylor his entire offensive line coming back, Taylor looks to have even more success in 2018. After finishing his freshman campaign 33 yards short of 2,000, I would not put it past Taylor to reach that mark this season. With a year of experience under his belt and a veteran line, anything is possible. If he is able to reach the mark, he would join as exclusive club. Only two running backs in Wisconsin history have rushed for 2,000 yards. They are Ron Dayne (1996, 1999) and Melvin Gordon (2014). 

The Badgers are also getting back Chris James and Garrett Groshek. As well as Bradrick Shaw, who is coming off a torn ACL, and Taiwan Deal, who recently had ankle surgery. Though this group has battled their fair share of injuries, each player will be able to help back-up Jonathan Taylor. 

Additionally, the Badgers have an incoming freshman, Nakia Watson, who will likely battle for a spot in the rotation. Last year, we were unclear whether or not Jonathan Taylor was going to play, but after a strong Fall Camp, the decision was clear. Watson is hoping to have similar experience. I think, given the current state of the back-ups, that Watson could find himself with some playing time in the Fall. 

Tight Ends 

It will be hard to replace Troy Fumagalli. He won the Tight End of the Year award in the Big Ten. Joining Jacob Pedersen (2012), as the only Badgers to win the award. He also finished the season with the most receiving yards on the team, 547.

However, the Badgers will have redshirt freshman tight end, Jake Ferguson, at their disposal. Ferguson won Offensive Scout-Team Player of the Year in 2017. And has impressed coaches all throughout his redshirt season. I for one, am excited to see what he brings to the table. 

The Badgers will also return senior, Zander Neuville, and redshirt junior, Kyle Penniston. Neuville is coming off an injury that kept him sidelined for the final two games of the season. But he will be ready to go come Fall Camp. Incoming freshman, Jaylan Franklin, will also be joining the group in the summer. 

Cornerbacks  

Wisconsin will be losing their top two cornerbacks from 2017, Nick Nelson and Derrick Tindal. Nelson, and his single season school-record 21 pass break-ups forewent his senior year and entered the NFL Draft. While Tindal, and his 3 interceptions, graduated. The Badgers will also lose Lubern Figaro, to graduation. The only experienced player returning for the Badgers is Dontye Carriere-Williams.

Madison Cone, Faion Hicks, and Caesar Williams all look to battle it out to play opposite of Carriere-Williams. Cone has the most experience of the three. He played in nine games as a true freshman in 2017. He is likely the early favorite to win the job. 

The Badgers do have an early enrollee cornerback, Donte Burton. With a possible starting spot up for grabs, this decision could play off nicely for Burton. 

In the summer, Burton will be joined by fellow freshmen cornerbacks Travion Blaylock and Alexander Smith. With a depleted cornerback room, any of the incoming freshman, or young veterans could become part of the rotation. It will be interesting to see what unfolds during Fall Camp, and who the new starting cornerback will be. 

Safety 

The Badgers will be losing one of their starting safeties, Natrell Jamerson, to graduation. Jamerson had two interceptions, including a pick-six, to go along with 51 tackles. The team will also be losing interception leader, Joe Ferguson, to graduation. However, the team still has D’Cota Dixon. He logged 58 tackles and one interception in 2017. Having an experienced player and team leader like Dixon will be huge for the success of the Wisconsin secondary. 

The Badgers also have Patrick Johnson II, Eric Burrell, Seth Currens, and Scott Nelson. Johnson saw playing before having his season cut short due to an arm injury. Burrell also contributed in the secondary in 2017. He and Johnson both look to have an even bigger impact in 2018. The two are also the likely favorites win the final starting safety job. There is also an early enrollee at this position, Reggie Pearson, Jr. The Badger secondary will also be joined this summer by Rachad Wildgoose II. It will be an interesting battle to see who gets the starting spot next to Dixon. I cannot wait to find out. 

Linebackers 

After losing both TJ Watt and Vince Biegel after the 2016 season, many believed that the linebacking group would take a severe hit in 2017. But they proved everyone wrong. Even with losing Jack Cichy to torn ACL and Zack Baun to a broken left foot, the linebackers did not miss a beat. Ryan Connelly led the team with 88 tackles, and even had an interception. TJ Edwards tied the team lead with four interceptions and totaled 81 tackles on the season. While Leon Jacobs had 60 tackles and two interceptions of his own. Newcomer, Andrew Van Ginkel, was a huge boost to the group. He had 39 tackles and two interceptions. Garrett Dooley added 39 tackles for the Badgers.

Though losing Jacobs, Dooley, and even Cichy will be tough, I can’t see the Badger linebacker group being too fazed. Interception leader-TJ Edwards, tackles leader-Ryan Connelly, Chris Orr, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Zack Baun will all be returning. This group takes hit after hit, but they constantly prove that they are one of the deepest positions on the team. I am truly looking forward to watching this group continue to dominate in 2018.

Defensive Line

The Badgers will be losing two of their starting defensive lineman, in Alec James and Conor Sheehy. They will also be losing Chikwe Obasih. The three combined for 98 tackles. However, the Badgers will be getting back their starting nose tackle, Olive Sagapolu. Good news for them, bad news for opponents. Garrett Rand and Isaiahh Loudermilk, who also saw significant playing time in 2017, will be returning. The Badgers have an early enrollee at this position as well, Bryson Williams. With the departures of two of the starting line, Williams hopes that his work this spring will be rewarded with playing time this Fall. 

I will leave you with this. The Badger offense will be returning 10 of 11 starters from last season. Everyone will have had a season of experience. Knowing how to work with one another and make each other better. The way it looks right now, this offense could be one of the best in the Big Ten in 2018. On the other side of the ball, the Badger defense will be losing 7 of 11 starters. However, they always seem to replenish and exceed outside expectations. The linebacker group has shown time and time again that they are one of the deepest on the team, and I expect it to be that way again in 2018. Though, the Badgers biggest concerns will come in their secondary. Yet, I have complete faith that Defensive Coordinator, Jim Leonhard, will have the defense in top shape come August 31. 

On Wisconsin! 

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Are the Milwaukee Brewers Ready for October?

The Brewers finished the 2017 season 10 games over .500 (86-76), good for second place in the National League Central. They trailed only the Chicago Cubs in their division, and fell one game back of the Colorado Rockies for the final Wildcard spot. Take that for a rebuilding year. With the offseason coming sooner than they had hoped, the Brewers approached it with contention on their minds. They made several moves throughout the offseason that they hoped would bolster their roster come Opening Day. Knowing that starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson would be sidelined for the first few months of the season, the team went out and signed a handful of free-agent starting pitchers: Jhoulys Chacin, Yovani Gallardo, and Wade Miley. Though Gallardo was cut prior to the start of the season. Also looking to upgrade their outfield, and offensive power, the Brewers signed free-agent Lorenzo Cain and traded for Miami Marlins’ Christian Yelich. Additionally, they signed Boone Logan, Matt Albers, and Dan Jennings to help out in the bullpen. The team also invited first baseman, Ji-Man Choi, to spring training, with him eventually making the Opening Day roster.

Unfortunately, Wade Miley started the season on the Disabled List, after suffering an injury to his groin in spring training. He returned on May 2nd, picking up the win in his Brewers debut. However, his second start would only last 1 out due to an oblique injury that would land him on the 60-day DL. Jhoulys Chacin on the other hand, landed a spot on the Brewers Opening Day roster and in the starting rotation. Though the start to Chacin’s season was shaky, a 4.54 Earned Run Average in his first 7 starts, he really turned things around in May. He has posted a 1.56 ERA over his last 4 starts, and has become a solid starter for the Brewers. 

The Milwaukee Brewers bullpen is one of the best in baseball. Newcomers Dan Jennings and Matt Albers have been great additions for the Crew, sporting 2.01 and 1.17 ERA’s respectively. Not to mention Josh Hader’s dominance, striking out 55% of the batters he has faced. As well as the virtually unhittable Jeremy Jeffress, who has had 21 straight scoreless appearances, lowering his ERA to an incredible 0.35 on the season. Even coming off a hamstring injury that sidelined him for 4.5 weeks, All-Star closer, Corey Knebel, is back to his dominating ways. He has kept his opponents scoreless in his last five appearances. As long as the bullpen keeps this up, the Brewers should have no problem maintaining control of the NL Central. 

On the offensive side of the ball, however, the Brewers could end up being their own worst enemy, in regard to winning the NL Central. They have been shut out eight times this season, which leads the major leagues. The team also often relies on the home-run ball as their means of scoring runs. They have hit 62 home-runs so far this season, which ranks 1st in the NL, and is the fourth most in the MLB. Even with the high home-run total, the Brewers offense had a slow start to the season. Many players underperforming coupled with a plague of injuries, and the Brewers were not off to the start that many had expected. This was highlighted by the less than ideal play of middle infielder, Eric Sogard, and the loss of first baseman, Eric Thames. Sogard logged six hits in 35 games for the Brewers, before being sent to Triple-A, ultimately being replaced by Tyler Saladino. Eric Thames was off to another good start for the Brewers, that is until he tore his Ulnar Collateral Ligament in his thumb. This injury would sideline the then team-leader in home-runs until June. But after a few roster moves in early May, the Brewers offense was finally putting together performances that everyone had been expecting. Another problem for the Brewers offense? The Cubs. 7 of Milwaukee’s 19 losses have come at the hands of the Chicago, including five of their eight shutouts. The Brewers won’t be seeing the Cubs again until a three-game series in June at Miller Park. With the Brewers offense finally coming into their own as of late, Milwaukee looks to be in better shape for this showdown with Chicago. However, despite the streaky offense, injuries, and the Cubs, the Brewers have managed to keep themselves atop the NL Central. 

If the Brewers still find themselves in contention at the trade deadline, adding a veteran starting pitcher might not be the worst idea. Their best starter from a season ago, Jimmy Nelson, continues to be sidelined while recovering from shoulder surgery that has kept him out since last September. He will likely make his season debut in June, but there is no guarantee that he will be the same Jimmy Nelson from 2017. As for the Brewers current starting rotation, they struggle to pitch more than five or six innings in a given start. This is why if they are still contending, trading for a starting pitcher would help solidify their rotation down the stretch and in the postseason. The Brewers showed interest in starting pitching at last seasons deadline, in Sonny Gray and Jose Quintana. Again in the offseason they showed interest in Yu Darvish, Jake Arrieta, and Alex Cobb, among others. Though the asking prices would be too high for the Brewers to bite. The Brewers were also linked to Tampa Bay Rays starter, Chris Archer, throughout the offseason. Archer is a strikeout pitcher who can give you innings, and despite his ERA being higher than usual the last couple seasons, he would fit well in Milwaukee.

The Brewers are currently 31-19, first in the NL Central. Their 31 wins are tops in the National League and third most in the MLB, behind only the Boston Red Sox (33), and the Houston Astros (32). The Brewers returned home on Monday, May 21, after a 10-game road-trip out west. The Crew finished the trip with a 7-3 record, winning each of their series against the Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Minnesota Twins. Upon returning to Miller Park, the Brewers faced the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-game series. Arizona was 1-11 in their previous 12 games entering the series in Milwaukee. Despite recently getting their All-Star third baseman, Jake Lamb, back from injury, the Diamondbacks could not keep up with the Brewers. Milwaukee swept the series, limiting Arizona to four runs on 10 hits. Once again, the Brewers used the home-run ball to power themselves to victory. They hit three in game one, all coming off Diamondbacks star, and former Brewer, Zack Greinke. Milwaukee added another two in the series finale on Wednesday. 

Looking ahead for the Brewers, they open a four-game series at home against the New York Mets. These two teams previously met for a three-game series April 13-15 in New York. Entering that series, the Mets were the hottest team in baseball, riding an eight-game winning streak, and winners in 10 of their last 11 games. Luckily, the Brewers were able to steal game two, to avoid getting swept. This time around though, the Brewers look to be the favorites. Since that April series, the Brewers have gone 23-11, including an eight-game winning streak of their own. While the Mets have cooled down, going 12-18 since that series, and sit at 24-20 overall, fourth in the National League East. The Brewers look to get a boost this series, with starting pitcher, Zach Davies, returning from a shoulder injury that had sidelined him for three weeks. If the Brewers bats can continue their recent success, the Brewers look to be in good shape to take the series from the Mets. 

The main takeaway from this article is that the Milwaukee Brewers have shown that they have what it takes to contend for a spot in the postseason. They made a couple big-name offseason free-agent acquisitions, as well as a few smaller name ones. These new additions have helped propel them to be one of the best teams in the National League. Though many thought that the losses of Nelson, Thames, and Knebel would be too much to overcome, the Brewers did not see it that way. The Brewers have embraced the next-man-up mantra, paving the way for them to not miss a beat when faced with adversity. Despite the plethora of injuries, a slow start by the offense, and the inability of starting pitchers going deep into ballgames, the Brewers find themselves with a 3.5 game lead in their division. With the bullpen continuing to be lights out, and the offense continuing to be in their groove, the Brewers look to be in good shape for a chance to play meaningful October baseball for the first time since 2011.