Wisconsin Football: 3 bold predictions for Badgers vs Penn State

Defense forces multiple turnovers

Badgers fans were worried early in 2021 when there were rumors that defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard might be taking the job to become the new defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. Leonhard decided to bypass on returning to the NFL ranks and return to Madison to continue what he has helped build on the defensive side of the ball.

The Badgers defense was seen as a top unit in 2020, and unless something crazy happens once again should have a very solid group in 2021.

Wisconsin is returning a good majority of that defense from last year minus two of their defensive ends in Isaiahh Loudermilk who was drafted in this year’s NFL Draft, and Garrett Rand who announced in January that he was stepping away from the football field for good due to injuries.

The two key players returning that stick out the most are both at inside linebacker in Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal.

Both talented linebackers combined for 98 total tackles (10 for a loss), four sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles in 2020. They were all over the field and will be again this year anchoring the Badgers defense.

Safety Scott Nelson who had two interceptions of his own last year should be a leader in a better and more experienced secondary unit for coordinator Jim Leonhard.

Wisconsin will be introducing some new faces up front, but expect them to hit home and force the Penn State offense into at least two turnovers to help set up the Badgers offense.

With this game being played in Madison, the defensive unit for the Badgers, plus a big day from Mertz and the combination of Berger and Mellusi on the ground will be too much for the Nittany Lions in Camp Randall. The turnovers by the Nittany Lions will be the key factor on why they will be heading back to Pennsylvania with a loss.

Prediction: Wisconsin 28 Penn State 20