#14 Wisconsin Badgers

Team MVP: Needless to say, senior running back Anthony Davis will be the key to the Wisconsin offense. Davis had a rough 2003 campaign with nagging ankle problems, but it doesn't diminish his worth to the Badger offense at all. The bottom line is that Davis has shown he can deliver. In both 2001 and 2002, Davis rushed for over 1,400 yards and scored over 10 touchdowns. With Lee Evans departed, the Badgers will need his playmaking ability more than ever.

Quarterback: Sophomore John Stacco will be pressed into a starting role and take over for the departed Jim Sorgi. Stacco is very limited in terms of experience, but with Matt Schabert opting to transfer, the Badgers are forced to go with Stacco. If Stacco falters, there isn't much behind him since redshirt freshman Tyler Donovan is the No 2 guy.

Running Back: Anthony Davis suffered through ankle problems which limited his output a year ago. Still, Davis was able to rush for well over 600 yards for Wisconsin. A healthy Davis would not only take a big burden off an inexperienced quarterback, but should also be in the running for Heisman considerations. Junior Dwayne Smith was a capable fill in for an injured Davis in 2003 as he rushed for over 800 yards. Sophomore Booker Stanley also plays a major role in the backfield for the Badgers. Junior Matt Bernstein is more than capable in his role as the bowling ball fullback.

Wide Receiver/Tight End: Lee Evans is now in the NFL, but Wisconsin is not totally without talent at receiver. Juniors Jonathan Orr and Brandon Williams both have a good amount of experience and have put up numbers in the past that is cause for optimism. Orr had a solid 2002 season (47 receptions, 842 yards, 8 touchdowns) and Williams was a solid complement to Evans in 2003 (49 receptions, 649 yards, 1 touchdown). Senior Darrin Charles and junior Brandon White are two big targets that will fight for reps as reserves. Senior Tony Paciotti is the epitome of the blocking tight end.

Offensive Line: The Badgers have reason to be confident as they will enter the 2004 campaign with all five returning starters on the offensive line. Senior guard Dan Boenning and junior center Donovan Raiola both earned all Big Ten honors in 2003 and are on the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy. Seniors Mike Lorenz and Jon Clinkscale also return to man the right side of the line. Senior Morgan Davis will return to hold down his spot at left tackle. Juniors Jake Wood, Jason Palermo and Matt Lawrence give the Badgers experience as reserves.

Defensive Line: Three of four starters return on the line from 2003. Leading the group will be senior tackle Anttaj Hawthorne. Hawthorne is one of the best in the country and has been named to preseason watch lists for both the Outland Trophy and Nagurski Trophy. Senior Jason Jefferson also returns at the opposite tackle, as will junior Jonathan Welsh at end. Senior Darius Jones will step into a starting role at the opposite end. Seniors Kalvin Barrett and Erasmus James will also be part of the rotation as reserves.

Linebacker: Junior LaMarr Watkins is the only returning starter at linebacker. He will be joined by sophomores Reggie Cribbs and Mark Zalewski. Cribbs is quick enough to become a major force in the middle for the Badgers. Zalewski will have to fight off Paul Joran to keep his job. Junior Elliot Goode could become a factor if he gets healthy.

Secondary: Seniors Scott Starks and Jim Leonhard return as starters at cornerback and safety respectively. Leonhard is a leader in the secondary as he tied for the team lead in tackles. Senior Robert Brooks will take over the vacant starting job at safety and junior Brett Bell will start at corner after missing the majority of the 2003 season. Junior Levonne Rowan will also be battling for a job and is valuable as a reserve at corner. Sophomores Rod Rogers and Johnny White are sleepers as reserve safeties, but two players to keep an eye on.

Special Teams: Senior Mike Allen does not possess a cannon for a leg, but he is accurate especially from the shorter distances. Senior R J Morse averaged over 40 yards per kick in 2003, but has battled with consistency at times. Brandon Williams and Jim Leonhard are more than capable as returners.

Final Thoughts: Quarterback John Stacco will be thrown into the fire after seeing limited action a year ago. His supporting cast will play a major role in how successful he is in 2004. Needless to say, a healthy Anthony Davis would be a great help and pressure reliever. Should Stacco go down, the Badgers have zero experience among the reserves. While Wisconsin is lacking at quarterback, they are deep at running back with Davis, Smith and Stanley. If the starting receivers step up, the loss of Lee Evans won't be nearly as painful, but depth is lacking. The line is huge and should be the best in the conference with all the starters returning from a year ago. With Hawthorne, the Badgers have one of the best defensive tackles around, but depth on the line is questionable. The linebacking corps returns only one starter and questions abound. The unit lacks experience and health issues are a concern. With Leonhard leading the group, the secondary could very well be the strength of the defense by the end of 2004. The Badgers have some real strengths, but how well Stacco handles the starting job will obviously be one key to how well Wisconsin fares in 2004. But how consistent the Badgers can be as a team is just as important.

-- JJ Pesavento