Wisconsin Football: 2017 Badgers season preview, predictions

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Defense

In contrast to their offense, Wisconsin fielded one of the top five defenses in college football last year. That success all began with the front seven. The group held opposing rushing attacks under 100 yards per game in 2016. The Badgers led the nation in time of possession last season in large part because the defense took care of business so efficiently.

The defensive line brings back all of its top six players from 2016. That bodes well for another strong showing, especially against the run. Defensive end Chikwe Obasih, who has started 31 games during his time at Wisconsin, leads the unit.

On top of the stout rushing defense, Wisconsin also gave up just 200 passing yards per game. Only San Diego State had more interceptions than the Badgers’ 22 picks. While the secondary loses cornerback Sojourn Shelton, the defensive backfield boasts three senior starters. Highly touted freshman corner Scott Nelson looks ready to step into Shelton’s vacated spot.

How the loss of Jack Cichy impacts the linebackers

The linebacking corps already lost T.J. Watt and Vince Biegel from last year’s unit. Then, during fall practices ahead of the new season, senior inside linebacker Jack Cichy tore his ACL and will be out for the 2017 season. It remains to be seen whether Cichy is granted a medical hardship waiver and allowed a sixth season of eligibility, but the Badgers will survive the injury to remain stout at the second level.

What will new defensive coordinator (and former UW safety) Jim Leonhard do about the situation? Look for him to take advantage of a deep group to compensate for the loss of Cichy. Look for Ryan Connelly, a redshirt junior who led all FBS inside linebackers at stopping runs for losses, to step into Cichy’s starting role. Chris Orr, who started last season’s opener versus LSU but was injured on the first defensive play, will rotate time with Connelly alongside T.J. Edwards.

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