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BYU Football: Scouting the Schedule – Wisconsin

By Shaun Gordon

PROVO, UT - SEPTEMBER 16: Wisconsin Badgers football helmet during the game between the Badgers and the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
PROVO, UT - SEPTEMBER 16: Wisconsin Badgers football helmet during the game between the Badgers and the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

The Defense

Last year’s Badger defense finished the season in the Top Five in scoring defense, total defense, passing defense, and rushing defense. You can’t get much better than that.

Wisconsin did lose seven defensive starters, so they’ll be filling in a lot of holes, but they’ve got enough experience to do just that.

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Defensive Line

In the middle, Olive Sagapolu (Sr.) will resume his starting job at nose tackle, but there’s not much experience behind him. In fact, don’t be surprised if redshirt freshman Bryson Williams cracks the two-deep at the position.

The battle for the starting end spots is still going. Garret Rand (Jr.) and Isaiahh Loudmilk (So.) have the most experience and the best shot at snagging the spots, but they’ll be pushed by David Plaff (Jr.) and Keldric Preston (So.). Aaron Vopal (Fr.) could work his way into the discussion as well.

Linebackers

Last season, T.J. Edwards (Sr.) stuffed the stat sheet for the Badgers, and Ryan Connelly (Sr.) led the team in tackles. They’ll anchor the inside of the unit and provide much-needed leadership.

Andrew van Ginkel (Sr.) saw plenty of playing time at one outside spot last year, and he’ll step up to start, but outside of him things are up in the air. The battle for the other starting spot will be between Zack Baun (Jr.), Tyler Johnson (Jr.), and Christian Bell (So.)

Secondary

This will be the biggest question mark for Wisconsin. D’Cola Dixon (Sr.) is back at strong safety, and he was fourth on the team in tackles last year. The free safety spot will be a battle between Eric Burrell (So.) and Scott Nelson (Fr.). Don’t be surprised if Nelson wins the starting nod.

At the corners, Dontye Carriere-Williams (So.) is the only player with significant experience, so he’ll likely land one starting spot. From there, it’s anyone’s guess between Madison Cone (So.), Christian Bell (So.), Caesar Williams (So.), and Donte Burton (Fr.)

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