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Illinois Football: How the Big Ten will shake out for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 21: The Big Ten logo on a yardage marker at the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 21: The Big Ten logo on a yardage marker at the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the ball against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Wisconsin defeated Miami 34-24. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the ball against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Wisconsin defeated Miami 34-24. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

1. Wisconsin Badgers 12-0 (Big Ten West Champions)

The Wisconsin Badgers were one of the best teams in college football last season. They finished the regular season undefeated only to fall to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game. This season might not be much different.

Quarterback Alex Hornibrook is back after a tremendous season where he threw for 2,644 yards, 25 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. The defense and offensive line return a lot of talent as well. But, my favorite for the Heisman Trophy this season is running back Jonathan Taylor. He had 1,977 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground as a freshman. He is back for more blood and that is scary.

Wisconsin’s non-conference is pretty easy. They will sweep by Western Kentucky, New Mexico and BYU. Their first test of the season will be against Iowa but, honestly, Wisconsin is just a better version of the Hawkeyes. I don’t think this game will be a problem for the Badgers.

One of the biggest games of the season in 2018 is going to be the one where Wisconsin matches up against Michigan. This will be a game of two top five teams in the nation in a great battle. The defense is going to be too much for the Michigan offense. I think Wisconsin’s running game is going to go wild as well. I see the Badgers winning this one.

After the Michigan game, Wisconsin won’t really have to sweat another contest on the schedule. The closest game will likely be Penn State but I think they will take a step back in 2018. That means I have Wisconsin going 12-0 in the regular season again.

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