College Football Top 25: Buying or selling the 2015 preseason rankings

Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Robert Wheelwright (15) reacts after beating the Auburn Tigers in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Auburn Tigers 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Highest Rank:  18 (Coaches)
Lowest Rank:  24 (SI)

BUYING

The single reason Wisconsin is mostly ranked in the bottom ten rather than the top ten this season? No more Melvin Gordon, and that’s a pretty big piece to be missing if you’re the Badgers. Outside of Gordon, Wisconsin also loses ten other players from last year’s team. Lots of holes to fill.

But despite losing their shoulda-been Heisman trophy winner, the Badgers are still going to put one of the best teams in the nation out there, and should be seriously considered as a contender for the Big Ten title.

Opening the season against Alabama is a big risk, and could pay huge dividends if the Badgers can pull the upset. The Tide have been known to choke on neutral sites, and so playing in Arlington, Tx. could lean in Wisconsin’s favor.

After a couple of cupcakes, the Badgers then move into what is probably the softest Big Ten schedule in the conference, dodging regular season contests with Ohio State, Michigan State and Michigan this year. Even if they drop the opener to Alabama, Wisconsin could still run the table and find themselves in the Big Ten championship game. Pull off a win against the East representative, and suddenly the Badgers are talking playoffs.

Next: Arizona