I'm not sure about the final record, but i don't have any high hopes for the team. Not only is the QB position a major concern, i think the defense will get lit up this year. I see a lack of pass rushers on the DL, a LB core with major question marks, and as does the secondary, especially at CB.

I agree that last year, the DL was the biggest problem with the defense. They got pushed off the ball to much against the run and allowed to much time for QB's to throw. That said, we lost two quality starting outside linebackers and there is no way to know how their replacements will play and McFadden is a very pedestrian MLB from what i've seen from him so far. If the DL struggles at all, mixing with this group of linebackers, teams could end up running wild on us. Then if god forbid Shane Carter ever gets snaps as a starting safety with his red cape tackling style, the run defense could be frightening.

Cornerback is another major concern of mine. Henry showed some nice skills as a freshman, but even then he wasn't a speed burner. Now he's had these knee problems, will he have enough speed to be at least a solid starting CB? Brinkley is the other projected starter from what i've read and the guy got repeatedly torched last year. He was either getting run right passed or he was getting flagged for interference or holding. Hopefully he learned from last year and plays much better, but as of right now though, i'm not exactly brimming with confidence about a Henry/Brinkley duo at the starting corners. Valai i like at one of the starting safety jobs, but neither Maragos or Carter played well last year. I'm really hoping that Maragos wins the job next to Valai because i've seen enough of Shane Carter whiffing on tackles to last a lifetime. Carter has some ball hawking abilities, but i don't know if i've ever seen softer starting safety in all my years watching football.

On offense, obviously QB is the biggest question/concern right now. Sherer just sucks and i have no idea if Phillips is ready yet to perform at a high level. IMO, i'd rather roll the dice on the youngster vs playing a veteran hat we already know is bad. The offensive line though will need to step up and help whoever is the starting QB. The last few years, i've grown tired of hearing each game about how big the Badgers OL is from game announcers, only to then watch those guys not be able to pass block well enough. Being able to run block is fine and dandy, but the pass blocking needs to be better, especially with the QB situation and with the fact that the Chryst run offense isn't just run run run an run some more. Chryst likes to pass more than Brian White did, but he can't expect the passing game to function if the QB is constantly under pressure.