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Wisconsin Badgers Sans Ron, life goes on in Badgerville
'99: 10-2, 7-1 Big TenCoachBarry Alvarez (11th season, 70-44-4)
Key offensive playersBrooks Bollinger, QB, So.Big Ten freshman of the year was 8-0 as a starter last season.
Casey Rabach, C, Sr.
Nick Davis, WR, Jr.
Key defensive playersJamar Fletcher, CB, Jr.Superstar corner has returned a Big Ten-record five interceptions for touchdowns in his career. Key defensive playersNathaniel Adibi, DE, Fr.Adibi, who is taking over for departed All-American Corey Moore, was the talk of spring drills.
Wendell Bryant, DT, Jr.
Jon Favret, DE, Sr.
Key newcomerDarius Jones, LB, Fr.The Parade and SuperPrep All-American is expected to contribute heavily.
Throwback playerSenior free safety Jason Doering has developed from a walk-on to one of the best defensive backs and hardest hitters in the Big Ten.
21st century playerCornerback Jamar Fletcher is a neat freak. He spends a lot of time making sure his pads are lined up, his belt is on straight. He wants to make sure his appearance is ready for prime time.
Fast FactWisconsin is 35-0-1 during Alvarez's tenure when the Badgers gains at least 200 yards on the ground and limits the opposition to less than 125.
OutlookHaving to replace Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne, a 2,000-yard rusher last season, the Badgers will probably use the mobile Bollinger's arm and legs quite a bit more this season. Junior tailback Michael Bennett, who has won four Big Ten sprint titles, will give the Badgers a quicker but less powerful back than Dayne. "He'll be running behind a beefy, experienced offensive line," Alvarez said. "The strength is our middle three -- our center and two guards will be starting their fourth consecutive seasons." Wisconsin returns eight defensive starters, including several All-Big Ten-caliber players. The line and secondary are strong. The Badgers also have one of the best special teams in the nation, with Davis and kicker Vitaly Pisetsky, who nailed five of seven attempts from 40 yards or more. All told, losing Dayne may not hurt as much.-- Mark Ambrogi
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