Big Ten football is back in our lives for the first time since Wisconsin took on Ohio State on December 6th. It feels crazy that we have been watching football for almost six weeks now with no Big Ten games on the slate. Badgers will kick off the season in front of an empty Camp Randall on Friday night against the Illinois Fighting Illini. Even though Wisconsin says they’re not out for revenge after last season, they’re out for revenge. Simple as that. Illini ruined their perfect season and took the wind out of their sails before Ohio State. Of course, they want revenge.

STORYLINES THAT I CARE ABOUT
1. Graham Mertz is here friends – Yes, the Badgers quarterback who has been hyped beyond belief is officially taking the reigns. Jack Coan is out with a foot injury, therefore, Mertz has to step in. No one really knows what to expect. Could Mertz be awesome tonight? Yep. Could he be a little nervous and we don’t see him come out of his shell until the following week? Also yep. It is hard to predict what outcome will get from the young Badgers’ quarterback. Also know if it’s really good or really bad, the takes will fly.

2. Who will be the Badgers’ RB1? – Will Garrett Groshek get the reigns and take over the prominent position for Wisconsin? Or will it be someone else? I like Groshek as a bit player, but I’m unsure if he’s a guy that you can the ball off to 20 to 25 times a game. It doesn’t seem that way. Wisconsin does have Nakita Watson who is a bruising, tall running back as well along

3. Will this Badgers defense be as real as they think it is? – The defense is supposed to be talented this season. One thing we’ve seen in both pro and college sports is the defense’s inability to get started early on. Is it the lack of fans? Or the fact they’re not practicing enough? We’ve seen it all across the landscape of football. Wisconsin will look to buck that trend. They’re very talented across the board on defense and might be the reason that the Badgers win this game.

4. Don’t sleep on what Illinois has on their team – Just because Wisconsin is a heavy favorite should not make you think the Badgers will walk all over the Illini. Brandon Peters returns for his sixth year at Illinois. Their running back is back from an injury and nearly their entire offensive line is back. They have some guys on defense too who can play as well. They’re going to be a frisky team all year, and they’re probably more experienced than Wisconsin is to start the season.

PREDICTION
Wisconsin is rarely a team to get off to fast starts and with so much uncertainty on offense, this game will be much closer than the spread. Illinois will push Wisconsin, but the defense comes up with a couple of big plays making the field short for Mertz and the boys. Wisconsin 24 Illinois 17

Charlie.