Wisconsin Badgers
2000 overall record: 9-4
Conference record: 4-4 (t-5th)
Returning starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 5
Kickers: 0
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Michael Bennett (1,681 yds)
Passing: Brooks Bollinger* (1,479 yds)
Receiving: Chris Chambers (813 yds)
Tackles: Nick Greisen* (146)
Sacks: Nick Greisen* and Wendell Bryant* (6 each)
Interceptions: Jamar Fletcher (7)
What's new
Without a workhorse running back to depend on this year, Wisconsin put in some one-back, spread offense packages similar to what Northwestern did a year ago. This allows them to better utilize the athleticism of quarterbacks Brooks Bollinger and Jim Sorgi. In the first half of the spring game, the Badger QBs were a combined 16-20 for 300 yards. Both quarterbacks will get playing time this season.
Battling it out
The early departure of Michael Bennett and a torn ACL of Broderick Williams leave three redshirt freshmen to compete for the starting job at tailback. The coaches seem comfortable with all three, and all played with the first team in the Spring Game. Tyron Griffin is the bigger back of the three, while Anthony Davis and Jerone Pettus are shiftier runners. Wisconsin has had a 1,000-yard rusher in eight consecutive seasons.
Eye catcher: WR Lee Evans
With the departure of Chris Chambers, Evans should become the focal point of the Badgers' passing attack. He made several highlight-reel catches in the spring and closed with 130 yards and a TD in the spring game.
Budding star: CB Mike Echols
Echols is no longer "the other corner" and will now assume the leadership role in the secondary. Echols is an excellent tackler and don't be surprised to see the Badgers funnel plays his way. Echols missed some spring practice with an ankle injury, but he's a bigger, faster version of Jamar Fletcher and could make a run at the Thorpe Award.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
