Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Wisconsin Football: Will Badgers win Big Ten West again in 2020?

By Shane Lunnen

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 16: Safety Eric Burrell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers leads the team on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 16: Safety Eric Burrell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers leads the team on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Wisconsin football
(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Badgers look to reload on defense after a great 2019 season

The Badger defense a year ago was phenomenal. They finished fourth overall in total defense and were the top team in the nation in third down stops. All but two of the top 20 tacklers on the team will be back for this season.

Those two, linebackers Zach Baun and Chris Orr, will be a big loss. Baun and Orr combined 24 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss. Leading tackler Jack Sanborn however returns at middle linebacker to lead a unit that also includes Noah Burks, who hopes to become the next big star on the outside.

There is a lot of returning experience on the front line. Seniors Isaiahh Loudermilk and Garrett Rand will both be tough to run against. Then there is Keeanu Benton at nose tackle. The 315 pounder will be a load to move in the middle of the line. These guys will not get to the quarterback much but they will plug up a lot of running lanes.

The secondary was young last year but gained a ton of experience and now all four starters return. Safeties Eric Burrell and Reggie Pearson are back, with Burrell recording three interceptions and two fumble recoveries a year ago. Rachad Wildgoose and Faion Hicks will man the cornerback positions and could end up being one of the best corner tandems in the conference.

Home/Wisconsin Badgers