Luke Fickell takes over the storied Wisconsin Badgers program in 2023. Fickell is no stranger to the B1G, having piloted Ohio State during the 2011 season after playing for the Buckeyes from 1992-96.

Fickell’s tenure at Cincinnati was filled with success. The Bearcats qualified for the College Football Playoff in 2021 and Fickell finished 57-18 overall as the head man. Tremendous success that he hopes to replicate in Madison.

Fickell takes over for Paul Chryst, who was let go during the middle of a disappointing 2022 campaign. Players were initially disappointed interim coach Jim Leonhard wasn’t given the full time job. But they’ve warmed to Fickell and his staff, and the outlook for 2023 is rosy.

Where will it all lead? Let’s boldly go there …

1. Badgers boast best RB duo in nation

Despite a meager (by Wisconsin standards) 7-6 record in 2022, Braelon Allen put up big numbers. His 1,242 rushing yards ranked No. 4 in the Big Ten. It was Allen’s 2nd straight season going over 1,200. The junior topped 100 yards on 7 occasions.

Allen has the repertoire to be one of the best backs in college football. Size, speed, vision. Yards after contact. He can do it all — and most times does.

When Allen needs a blow, enter Chez Mellusi. The senior from Naples, Florida, is the perfect complement. Mellusi picked up the slack in a 15-14 come-from-behind win over Nebraska last year after Allen was banged up. He carried 21 times for 98 yards on a cold November day.

In a 24-17 Guaranteed Rate Bowl win over Oklahoma State, Mellusi went for 77 yards and a TD on 16 carries.

Mellusi would be a starter at most places. The duo looks to put up huge numbers in their final season together, and a 2,000-yard combined rushing total isn’t out of the question.

2. Phil Longo’s offense flourishes in B1G

Yes, there’s skepticism about whether Longo’s pass-happy offense can thrive in the cold, late months of the year. But most teams don’t have a dynamic running game to lean on like Wisconsin does.

No, Longo doesn’t have Heisman-candidate QB Drake Maye behind center like he did at North Carolina, which put up 34 points and 462 yards a game in 2022. But SMU transfer Tanner Mordecai is good. A bevy of talented receivers are in the mix, and Longo’s play-designing is masterful.

As long as Mordecai and the receivers can develop solid chemistry, this offense should be one of the best in the B1G.

3. Tanner Mordecai tops Russell Wilson

With a new offense comes new opportunities. Mordecai will get the opportunity to chuck it around the yard.

Therefore, Wilson’s 2011 single-season record of 3,175 passing yards is in serious jeopardy. If Mordecai stays healthy and consistent, that record falls. Mordecai put up video game numbers the past 2 seasons at SMU. Twice he went over 400 yards in a game.

Mordecai threw for 3,628 and 3,524 yards in 2021 and 2022 respectively. He’s the perfect signal-caller for Longo’s wide open offense.

4. Braelon Allen moves into Badgers’ top 10

Allen will continue his climb up the Wisconsin rushing charts. If he amasses another 1,200 yards in 2023, he’d move into 8th place in career rushing yards.

Names like Melvin Gordon, Montee Ball, Jonathan Taylor and Ron Dayne top the list. A monster season would move Allen above the likes of Brent Moss and Terrell Fletcher.

5. Chimere Dike breaks season receptions record

Jarred Abbrederis hauled in 78 balls in 2013 — a Wisconsin single-season record.

Dike heads a list of solid pass-catchers for the Badgers. His 47 receptions for 689 yards in 2022 led the team. Expect those numbers to balloon in 2023.

Dike and Mordecai have been working on routes and timing. He has sure hands and can turn a short catch into a big gain. Not to mention Longo loves guys in the slot.

His 14.8 yards per catch ranked 4th in the B1G for receivers with 40+ catches a year ago. Dike won’t be the only one reaping the benefits of Longo’s high-octane offense, but he’s certain to see his numbers climb.

6. Allen collects post-season hardware

If Allen stays healthy, he has the tools to put together a memorable season. A year ago he was in the shadow of Blake Corum, Mo Ibrahim and Chase Brown. The league was teeming with talented runners.

Corum returns and is considered the league’s best by many. Not so fast. How will he respond from a late-season injury in 2022? If it lingers and Corum starts slow, Allen could claim the B1G rushing title.

Heck, don’t be surprised if Allen captures the Doak Walker and is a finalist for the Heisman.

He’s that  talented.

7. Badgers win West

Believe it or not, the bullies from Madison haven’t won the division since 2019. Look for that to change in 2023.

Wisconsin is loaded with talent. If all that talent — especially on offense — comes together, look out. Wisconsin has the potential to put up points. With Fickell running the defense, you know that unit, though without big names this year, will be salty.

The schedule sets up nicely. There’s no reason the Badgers shouldn’t enter their Oct. 14 home game vs. Iowa at 5-0. Michigan is absent from the schedule. Yes, Ohio State is there, but the game is in Madison.

The road games aren’t daunting. The finale at Minnesota looms large. But the Badgers may have done enough by that point to wrap up the division.

8. Luke Fickell named top coach in B1G

It wouldn’t shock me in the least if Fickell wins coach of the year in the league. Not only is the schedule favorable, but Fickell is an elite football mind. He’s as close to the Lincoln Riley to USC hire as there is. A difference maker.

He’ll have his guys playing better and better as the season goes on.

If Michigan takes a step back, and Ohio State stubs its toe, who’s saying Wisconsin can’t win the league? Crazier things have happened, and if Fickell gets Wisconsin to Indy, and … gasp …wins that game? Fickell would be a lock for COY — maybe even the national version.

9. Defense returns to elite status

Bucky regressed slightly on defense in 2022. Wisconsin finished 7th in the B1G, allowing 20.2 ppg. Those results should improve under Fickell.

Gone are linebacker Nick Herbig and others. But the Badgers have young talent, along with key veterans. Alexander Smith is a 6th-year player shining at cornerback in camp.

Smith and company hope to prop the Badgers back atop the defensive standings in a staunch league.

10. Badgers finish 10-3, B1G runner-up

Things are shaping up for a really nice season in Madison. As I see it, there are a few swing games on the schedule: Iowa (in Madison), Ohio State (in Madison), Illinois (in Champaign) and Minnesota (in Minneapolis).

Odds are Wisconsin splits those 4. It should be enough to propel the Badgers into a conference title tilt vs. Michigan or Ohio State.

Even if Wisconsin falls short in Indy, a solid bowl invite awaits. Definite progress after a disappointing 7-6 finish in 2022.