re: Early thoughts on LSU vs Wisconsin

Wisconsin's defense will be fine, in my opinion.

The 'starting' front seven graduated, but Aranda's 3-4 defense calls for a lot of in-game substitutions, etc. Five out of the seven projected starters along the defensive front seven have started games in their career and seen plenty of meaningful game experience with the way Aranda runs his defense.

Is there cause for some concern? Sure. I'm more concerned about Wisconsin replacing Chris Borland than I am about the unit as a whole.

The defensive backs are very experienced, but they are also a good unit. Michael Caputo returns after being plagued by a head injury in the latter of last season. Likely would have been more than an honorable mention had he not missed/been limited for the final four games. Sojourn Shelton is one of the best young corners in the B1G. Started from Day One and recorded 36 tackles, 11 passes defended, seven pass breakups, and four interceptions. Darius Hillary will play opposite of Shelton. He saw a lot of playing time as a redshirt freshman and started all 13 games a year ago. Doesn't make a lot of mistakes, but certainly does not jump off the page.

A lot of questions surround the WR position. A lot of young guys and Wisconsin is attempting to replace Jared Abbrederis. Will be difficult. I like Jordan Fredrick. He doesn't have a lot of production, but his size (6'4" 215 pounds) and run-block ability has been noted. Here's to hoping he can produce in the passing game.

Jacob Pedersen will be difficult to replace at TE, too. However, Wisconsin has also been very good at developing TEs. The starter this season, Sam Arneson, has plenty of experience. He's been a spot starter for his first couple seasons and saw a lot of playing time in Wisconsin's two TE sets.

Running backs and offensive line are pretty self-explanatory. Backs are extremely talented. Everyone knows about Melvin Gordon's talented, but Corey Clement has drawn incredibly high praise and was very productive as a freshman. These are two of the most physically-talented RBs that Wisconsin may have ever had.

Offensive line returns four starters from a year ago, but it is not particularly deep. There is a lot of size up front, though, including Rob Havenstein (6'8" 330 pounds).

Like LSU, we are not sure what quarterback will look like yet. Gary Andersen would prefer a dual-threat QB, but McEvoy looks like an athlete playing QB and Stave (19 career starts) is anything but. With the offense's strength being in the run game, I would prefer the QB with 19 starts over McEvoy.

Both teams will need to develop a passing attack. I'm not buying the blowout some of you seem to be predicting. I simply don't see where the points come from. Better athletes you have? Of course. Will that turn into points? Remains to be seen.

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Thoughts?

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Team that scores the most will win. Bank on it.