Wisconsin predicted to go over 8.5 wins by Greg McElroy

College football expert Greg McElroy is breaking down the over-under win totals for programs nationwide. And on a recent episode of always college football, the former Alabama quarterback broke down the win total line for the Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers currently sit at a projected 8.5 wins in the 2023 season. And if you’re a betting man, McElroy says to take the over.

“Very interesting scenario here. We know that Luke Fickell spent 15 years at Ohio State,” said McElroy. “We know that he brings a vast array of knowledge as it relates to the Big Ten. And you think, too, about what Wisconsin has been in the past. Wisconsin is a remarkably proud organization, especially as it relates to the offensive line and running backs. Why? 25 offensive linemen drafted into the pros in the last 25 years. They’ve also had 11 running backs drafted, (and) they had several rushing champs and a Heisman Trophy to show for it.”

Wisconsin made a huge change at head coach, hiring former Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Luke Ficklell. The new Badgers headman is well-versed in the ways of the conference. Aside from the six years he spent at Cincinnati and two years at Akron, from 2000 to 2001, Ficklell spent his entire coaching career in the Big Ten at Ohio State, 15 years in total.

When he made his triumphant return to the Big Ten, the Badgers head coach brought with him the offense of mind responsible for the North Carolina Tar Heels’ offensive improvement over the past four years in Phil Longo run his offense. Longo’s offensive scheme is a variation of the air-raid offense. But he actually fancies the run game more than others who run a similar offense, as highlighted by McElroy with his stats below.

“The real question is, can they adapt offensively? Phil Longo comes down. We look at Phil Longo and Drake Maye in North Carolina as they’re gonna throw it around the yard. Yes, they were in the top 15 in each of his four years at Chapel Hill. But when you really think about it, they actually led the entire ACC in rushing; just under 200 yards a game over the course of his four years. It’s pretty dang impressive.

“You bring in Tanner Mordecai, who’s very accomplished with what he did at SMU. You also have four wide receivers that transferred in. Top-3 from 2022 are all back. So you got seven guys that are legitimate difference makers. You still got a 1-2 punch at running back, and you know Wisconsin is still going to be proud on the defensive side.”

Overall, Wisconsin has the pieces in place to be a contender in the Big Ten this season and the seasons that follow. And this year, their 8.5-win line is more than achievable. McElroy sees the Badgers’ only losses in 2023 coming at the hands of Ohio State and maybe Washington State and/or Minnesota.