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Wisconsin’s best, worst season since 2014 B1G expansion
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Wisconsin has been one of the most consistent football programs in the B1G, though the goal of a B1G Championship has eluded the Badgers for some time now.
Entering 2021, expectations in Madison are climbing for a B1G West title and trip to Indianapolis. Behind quarterback Graham Mertz and an experienced defense, the Badgers are looking to make the B1G Championship Game for the first time since 2019.
As we look back over the first seven years of the expanded B1G, it provides a good chance to look at Wisconsin’s best and worst seasons in recent history.
Best Season – 2017 (13-1, Orange Bowl victory)
Wisconsin has seen a number of near misses in the B1G Championship Game since 2014, but the best overall season comes in 2017. Yes, that Badgers team lost 27-21 to Ohio State in Indianapolis. The other results speak for themselves.
The Badgers beat Iowa and Michigan by double digits in 2017. They also steamrolled Minnesota in a 31-0 shutout and knocked off Miami in the Orange Bowl. Wisconsin finished 3rd nationally after allowing just 13.9 points per game for the season.
The stars on that Wisconsin team were also incredible. Jonathan Taylor rushed for over 1,900 yards as a freshman and finished with over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns. Quintez Cephus led the team with 6 receiving touchdowns.
Defensively, the Badgers were a true nightmare to the opposition. Five Badgers finished with 10 or more TFL while Andrew Van Ginkel and Alec James finished tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks. Wisconsin also finished with 20 interceptions for the season.
Worst Season – 2018 (8-5, Pinstripe Bowl victory)
Choosing the worst season for the Badgers is certainly difficult. Since 2014, the Badgers have made a bowl appearance every season with a 6-1 record. That loss came in the Rose Bowl after the 2019 season. The allure of going with the 4-3 season in 2020 is real, but so many teams went wrong early on that it feels best to call a mulligan on the shortened slate.
The 2018 season featured a number of key stars and players back from the 2017 season, but things did not pan out the way fans were hoping. Wisconsin was upset at home by BYU before losses to Michigan, Northwestern, Penn State, and Minnesota, all by double digits. A win over an unranked Miami team in bowl season was small consolation after big expectations.
Taylor was once again the star for the Badgers, rushing for nearly 2,200 yards with 16 touchdowns. Taiwan Deal also added 545 yards and 6 more touchdowns. T.J. Edwards led the defense with 112 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 3 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Andrew Van Ginkel once again led the team with 5.5 sacks and added 9.5 TFL.
Overall record since 2014: 67-22 (44-14 B1G)
Average record since 2014: 9.6-3.1 (6.3-2)
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.