Yes, the wounds of another shoulda, coulda, woulda bowl game defeat are still fresh, but it's time to get over it folks. Move on because 2014 promises to be a very intriguing season in Madison.
It gives us the first true glimpse of what a Gary Andersen coached team will look like. Gone are 26 seniors and with it a lot of talent and 39 career wins for the graduating class.
In is a 2014 recruiting class that is 25 players strong already and may have a few more additions before National Signing Day on Feb. 5th.
However, before then we thought it would be a good idea to take a WAY too early gander at what the 2014 opponents will look like for the Badgers and give you our predictions for the coming season.
So, come on in and let's take a peak at the Badgers 2014 schedule, starting with the biggest non-conference game in recent memory—LSU.
2013 Record: 11-3 (5-3 SEC)
2013 Billingsley Ranking: 18th
2013 Stats:
| Offensive Category | Stat | Ranking | Defensive Category | Stat | Ranking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scoring | 35.8 | 23rd | Scoring | 22.0 | 21st | |
| Total Offense | 453.3 | 35th | Total Defense | 340.7 | 15th | |
| Rushing | 202.3 | 29th | Rushing | 143.2 | 35th | |
| Passing | 251.0 | 44th | Passing | 197.5 | 13th |
2013 Crazy Stat: 19.2 – The LSU passing game was very efficient in 2013, throwing just nine interceptions as a team. However, when they did make mistakes, opposing teams made them pay big to the tune of 173 yards on interception returns. Returning a pick for nearly 20 yards every time it happens (however infrequent) can really change field position and the game around.
What Does 2013 Tell Us About LSU: The Tigers were a very talented team that found their stride as the season went on, especially on the defensive side of the ball. However, they were also a very inconsistent football team and relied on some heavy fire power on offense to win them the majority of ball games. The Outback Bowl against Iowa proved that a team with some of the same offensive fire power is more than capable of hanging with and beating LSU.
The 2013 season also showed us how dangerous Cam Cameron is as an offensive coordinator and no matter who is behind center they are capable of putting up points and making big plays nearly at will. 2014 may be a different story though and we'll show you why in a just a bit.
Series History: LSU leads 2-0 (last meeting was a 27-7 LSU Win in 1972)
Key Losses: Odell Beckham, Jr., WR (59 rec, 1,152 yards, 8 TDs); Jarvis Landry, WR (77 rec, 1,193 yards, 10TDs); Zach Mettenberger, QB (64.9% comp. rate, 3,082 yards, 22TDs, 8 INTs); Lamin Barrow, LB (91 tackles, 5.5TFLs, 1.5 sacks); Anthony Johnson, DT (35 tackles, 9TFLs, 3 sacks); Ego Ferguson, DT (58 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1 sack); Craig Loston, SS (57 tackles, 4TFLs, 1 sack, 3INTs, 6 PDs)
*maybe losing RB's Jeremy Hill (1,401 yards, 6.9 avg, 16TDs) and Alfred Blue; as well as right tackle La'el Collins. All have been rumored to be leaving but no official word as of this writing.
Key Returning Players: Anthony Jennings, QB (44.8% comp. rate, 181 yards, 1TD, 1INT); Travin Dural, WR (7 rec, 145 yards, 2TDs); Jerald Hawkins, LT (will be a sophomore); Terrence Magee, RB (343 yards, 7.3 avg, 8 TDs); Tre'Davious White, CB (55 tackles, 2.5TFLs, 2INTs, 9 PDs)
WAY too Early Prediction: LSU 27, Wisconsin 20
Looking at this matchup when it was first rumored it had scary written all over for the Badgers, but not so much with the heart of the LSU defensive line gone, its backfield possibly in need of a proven power back and only three receiving touchdowns returning to the team in 2014. In fact, the Badgers may have the upper hand against LSU's defense while the same could be said about LSU's offense versus the Badgers D. There are a lot of unknowns on both sides of this season opener, but recent history tells us Wisconsin will play well, but come up just short. Until proven otherwise I'm sick of being burned by UW.
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