The preseason Amway Coaches Poll was released on Thursday and coming in at No. 12 were the Wisconsin Badgers.
It seems like it’s an annual phenomenon for preseason polls to underrate the Badgers going into the season–minus 2018 obviously when the team started the season in the nation’s top 5.
This year though? The ranking finally feels right as Paul Chryst and company are rightfully given a shot at rising in the rankings and entering the elite class of teams, but aren’t necessarily there just yet.
Here’s what USA TODAY had to say about the 2020 Wisconsin Badgers:
Jonathan Taylor’s departure leaves a massive void in the Badgers’ rushing attack, which must also navigate three departures on the offensive line. Defensively, Wisconsin returns most of its production, notably linebacker Jack Sanborn. QB Jack Coan returns after accounting for every Wisconsin passing yard last season. Only five Power Five teams (Georgia, Oklahoma, Clemson, Ohio State and Alabama) have won more games than the Badgers the last five years. Outside of two New Year’s Six Bowl victories (2016 Cotton, 2017 Orange), Wisconsin has little to show for that success (zero conference titles) beyond a reputation of consistency. Will the conference-only schedule of 2020 give the Badgers the shove they need to go over the top?
Time will only tell if Chryst’s team is finally able to get over the hump and win their first conference title since 2012. It’s a welcome sight, though, to see coaches around the country acknowledge the team as one of the nation’s best and give them a shot at having a break through year.