3 Reasons why the Wisconsin Badgers are a sleeper Playoff Team

The Badgers have a history of tough defensive players. Players like Zach Baun, 2024 NFL Breakout Player of the Year, Tj Watt, JJ Watt, a future Hall of Famer, and current senior safety, Preston Zachman, who just won Big 10 player of the week. In their week one matchup against Miami University, the defense delivered a shutout, the first one under Luke Fickell.

Miami University did not convert a single third down the whole game and only got one first down. They only had 34 yards rushing with 117 yards of total offense. The Badgers’ defensive line is big and physical. Each defensive lineman stands over six feet tall and weighs 300 pounds or more. Collectively, the defense forced two turnovers and accumulated three sacks.

Wisconsin has 10 returning starters on its defense. Experience can be huge in big games, especially in Big 10 play. The Badgers have Michigan, Ohio State, Illinois, and Indiana, who are ranked conference opponents on their schedule. An experienced defense can give them an edge late in these games.

With the injury of Billy Edwards Jr., the defense was called upon for most of the game. They were able to hold their own and keep Miami’s offense out of rhythm and scoring range. Once again, Wisconsin has a defense to rely on.

Luke Fickell was the head coach for the 2021 Cincinnati Bearcats, who made an appearance in the CFP. That same team that got demolished 27-6 in the semifinals by Alabama almost beat Georgia in the Peach Bowl 24-21. That Cincinnati team also had nine players drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Some players on that list include former NFL defensive rookie of the year and all-pro corner, Sauce Gardner, Desmond Ridder, Coby Bryant, and Bryan Cook. Fickell’s record with the Bearcats is 63-25 with a 35-11 record in the AAC. In 2020, he also led Cincinnati to an AAC Championship with a 9-1 regular season record.

The guy can win games period.

Although he has not had the same success in Wisconsin, there are a few things to consider. He came from a much weaker conference. Since being the head coach in Madison, his starting quarterback has been injured. Just last season, Tyler Van Dyke tore his ACL and was out for the season. He needs some form of consistency there first.

Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Since the beginning of camp, Luke Fickell has praised his quarterback room. Most recently, he gave credit to backup quarterback Danny O’Neil, the transfer from San Diego State. He was called upon in the second quarter of their week one game.

After the game, Fickell praised O’Neil for stepping up and leading the offense and the confidence he showed. Some reports said how O’Neil came into the game ‘trash-talking’ the other team. He finished the game on 12 of 19 passing for 120 yards, one touchdown, and a touchdown on the ground.

O’Neil added that he “wasn’t expecting to get any reps” as early as he did, but he delivered. A game that could have gone bad for the Badgers turned into a game that could have proven that they have what it takes to make a run for the national championship in January.

Behind O’Neil is Southern Illinois transfer Hunter Simmons. He also started last season with Southern Illinois and adds experience to the quarterback room. During camp, the position battle between O’Neil and Simmons was heating up, with O’Neil getting the job. There is also freshman quarterback Carter Smith, who was a four-star recruit and will redshirt this season.

With a tough and experienced defense, the Badgers have an advantage over teams with only one new defensive starter. An experienced head coach in Luke Fickell, will help the team overcome late-season adversity. With the confidence and depth of the quarterback room, they have more than one option for inevitable injuries.