Wisconsin Football: 5 reasons why Badgers will stink in 2017

1. Even with division crown, Wisconsin will be no match for East champ

Ultimately, though, that probably won’t matter. Avoiding the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions in the regular season merely prolongs the inevitable letdown until a showdown with one or the other in Indianapolis. The Badgers will likely roll into that game with no more than one loss on their record. They might very well be undefeated.

And then they will promptly lay an egg against whichever team survives the free-for-all in the East. Ohio State and Penn State will be pushed by both Michigan schools this year. Indiana could play spoiler at some point this season as well.

This is where the battle-testing theory comes into play. When Wisconsin had to face the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes every year in the Leaders, they were stronger when championship time rolled around on the calendar. Of course, the Badgers also benefited from the fact that both Ohio State and Penn State were under sanctions for much of that period.

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Ultimately, the decision will be made for the College Football Playoff committee on the field. Wisconsin will stink it up on the biggest stage once again, faltering at the final hurdle standing between them and the conference crown. Ultimately offensive ineffectiveness and even the slightest defensive regression will prove costly. Badgers fans will be let down in December when the Badgers stink up Lucas Oil Stadium once again.