First, I come in peace... I hope we can have a nice discourse about the game and the players involved.

I think that LSU and Wisconsin is a great match up and having it in Green Bay is amazing, I only wish I could be there. I'd really love it if the two schools would find a way to do a Home and Home in the near future. Probably wont ever happen, but it be nice to have two of the greatest fan bases host each other.

As far as the game goes... I think it will be more competitive then many of the experts think. Here is a breakdown of Wisconsin and a few reasons why I believe UW will make it a game and might actually pull an upset. Of coarse I'm a total UW homer so keep that in mind. LOL.

Respect! LSU is getting a lot, and UW is getting none!

FYI...UW IS A QUALITY PROGRAM TOO! Why UW isn't ranked to start the season is beyond me? Wisconsin is a program that has been a consistent top 25 for the better part of 2 decades. Has 6 BCS bowl appearances and has been in 14 straight bowl games. UWs played in 3 of the 5 Big Ten Championship games. UW has the second highest winning pct since '93 in the B1G behind only OSU. Wisconsin is a program that develops NFL talent and gets more drafted then some "blue blood" programs. So If you think UW can't hang because we only have "two star guys" you've got another thing coming. UW is a prideful bunch and very rarely gets blown out. Expect a game.

Aranda's gone... So What?

Dave Aranda is a great coach, no doubt, and under him UW was 10-3 last season with the 4th rated defense and 1st rated scoring defense in the nation. We lost to the Tide, Iowa, and Northwestern. The latter two, we should have beaten had it not been for a late fumble the goal line vs Iowa & a controversial call vs Northwestern on a game winning touchdown catch that was taken off the board. The defense by rights could have carried us to 12-1. That being said... the last I checked, PLAYERS make PLAYS and not a coach.

Most of that vaunted UW front 7 are back this season. Yes, we lost our two safeties and our All American OLB, but we replace him with a Watt! As in JJ's younger brother, whom JJ said was the the most athletic of the 3 Watt boys (2 in NFL). Our LB crew is deep on talent and very athletic. Our D-line has 5-6 returning guys that have quality in game experience. Also, keep an eye out for true freshman Garret Rand (4 star), he could be a beast as he already benches over 500# and squats 650+. Our DBs return one 4 year starter at CB and a 2nd CB that was was our nickel guy last season. Safeties are a serious question mark but there is unproven talent back there.

While Aranda is on the other sideline I believe that Justin Wilcox (who was a very respected DC prior to his stint at USC under "Drunk Stakisian") will help keep this 3-4 defense one of the tops in college ball. Wilcox and Aranda have had similar systems and have collaborated with each other in the past. I don't expect there to be much of a drop off honestly.

Wisconsin's offense will be better!

UW went 10-3 last season with arguably the worst offense they have had in the past 10 years. Even though UW did lose it's "all time winning-est QB", the two vying for the job are much better passers with much stronger arms. If they can move the ball without turnovers, the offense will improve. UW running game should be... well, more Wisconsin like. Stabilized by Clement's return from a sports hernia and another year of experience by the back ups I expect the run game to put up big numbers this season. TE's are going to be featured a lot in Chryst's system and we have a good one in Troy Fumagali. The WRs, especially Wheelwright, if he stays healthy, should be much stronger deep threat then last season. The O-line which was very young last season starting 4 Red Shirt Freshman and is still a bit of a question mark, however, there are now 6-8 guys that have quality game experience in the two deep. Player to watch is the new LT as he transferred from D3. He has been rumored to be a total stud. Just note that Joe Schobert, Wisconsin's AA OLB last season, proclaimed him the best OT he faced all season, which includes Alabama's, USC's and all B1G OTs.

LSU Defense. ????

I know you have a lot of talent returning and have a lot of "5 star guys" but with the injuries that seem to be mounting and Aranda trying to install a new system, there might be times when your guys are out of position. This could leave running lanes open for Clement. There was a noticeable difference between Aranda's first season and his third at Wisconsin. It will take time to implement his system effectively. There will be a learning curve, and with this an early season game vs. UW, coupled with the our knowledge of his system, Wisconsin might be best suited to exploit it and gain advantage. Remember his the system is not 100% unbeatable just ask OSU (59-0).

Is your QB better?

You can bet that Wisconsin will defend the run first with LF7 in the backfield. As stated before, I think the UW defense will rival any of the SEC defenses you'll face this season. Is your QB ready to take the next step and be able to beat teams over the top? As I recall, that seems to be what caused him fits last season. There is no doubt that if your guy can deliver on the deep pass, the game gets much easier for your backs. Can he do it? I hope not...If he can then UW may be in for a long night.

Well, just some nuggets to chew on. I am hoping for a great game and hope that all you traveling LSU fans enjoy all that Wisconsin has to offer. It really is a great and unique place. Cheers!