Wisconsin Badgers Football 5 Players Who Could Be Risky Bets to Place Against…
As we dive into the 2024 college football season, the Wisconsin Badgers are a team that many fans are closely watching. Known for their strong running game, solid defense, and a rich tradition of success, the Badgers are always a formidable opponent. However, like any football team, there are players who may not meet the hype or fail to live up to expectations, which could be a risky place to put your money when placing bets against them. Whether it’s because of inconsistency, injuries, or just plain underperformance, certain Badgers players may make you second-guess a wager on their success.
Here are five Wisconsin Badgers football players who could be risky bets to place against in the 2024 season:
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### 1. **Tanner Mordecai – Quarterback**
Tanner Mordecai, the highly anticipated transfer from SMU, has big shoes to fill after the departure of previous quarterback Graham Mertz. Mordecai is known for his ability to sling the ball, but questions about his ability to transition to the Big Ten, especially in Wisconsin’s run-heavy offense, could make him a risky bet for those backing the Badgers.
– **Why He’s a Risk**: While Mordecai had a stellar career at SMU, playing in the pass-heavy AAC is a world away from the grind of the Big Ten. There’s a steep learning curve when adjusting to a physical conference, and if he struggles with accuracy or decision-making under pressure, it could spell trouble for the Badgers.
– **Betting Tip**: If Mordecai falters early, especially against more established Big Ten defenses, placing bets against the Badgers in those games might be the safer choice.
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### 2. **Braylon Allen – Running Back**
Braylon Allen is undoubtedly one of the most talented running backs in college football, but his performance this season will largely depend on the development of the offensive line and the overall health of his body. Allen has been a workhorse for the Badgers, but concerns about his consistency and durability could leave bettors uncertain.
– **Why He’s a Risk**: As good as Allen is, running backs in the Big Ten are often asked to take a pounding. Injuries are a constant worry, and if Allen were to struggle with wear and tear or experience a slow start, Wisconsin’s offense could lose its main weapon. Moreover, opposing teams know Allen’s role, and defensive coordinators will game-plan to stop him, potentially making it harder for him to shine.
– **Betting Tip**: When Allen is healthy, he’s a game-changer. However, if he’s not running with the same authority or has injury concerns, placing bets against the Badgers, especially when they rely on Allen to carry the offense, could be a good strategy.
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### 3. **Nick Herbig – Outside Linebacker (Gone, but a Legacy to Watch)**
Although Nick Herbig, one of Wisconsin’s standout defensive players from recent years, has now entered the NFL, his absence will have a significant impact on the Badgers’ defense in 2024. Herbig’s relentless pass rush and ability to disrupt plays made him one of the top defenders in the Big Ten, and replacing him will be no easy task.
– **Why He’s a Risk**: Without Herbig’s elite pass-rushing skills, the Wisconsin defense may struggle to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. A lack of a consistent pass rush could allow high-powered offenses to take advantage of the Badgers’ secondary, especially when facing teams with strong passing games.
– **Betting Tip**: If Wisconsin’s defense struggles to apply pressure in key games, particularly against high-scoring teams, betting against the Badgers could become a more attractive option.
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### 4. **Owen Murphy – Offensive Line**
The Wisconsin offensive line has been a hallmark of their football identity for years. But in 2024, there are questions about how well the offensive line will perform, particularly with new players like Owen Murphy stepping into key roles. Wisconsin’s offensive line has been known for dominating the line of scrimmage, but whether this tradition continues remains to be seen.
– **Why He’s a Risk**: The Badgers are known for their strong run game, but if the offensive line can’t consistently open up holes for Braylon Allen and provide enough protection for Tanner Mordecai, the offense could sputter. With young or unproven players like Murphy, there’s potential for mistakes, blown assignments, and missed blocks, all of which could disrupt the flow of the offense.
– **Betting Tip**: If Wisconsin struggles to establish its run game and protect the quarterback, placing bets against them, especially in matchups against strong defensive fronts, could pay off.
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### 5. **Jay Shaw – Cornerback**
Jay Shaw, a transfer from UCLA, is tasked with bolstering the Wisconsin secondary. While he brings experience, playing cornerback in the Big Ten will be a significant challenge. If Shaw is unable to make an immediate impact, it could leave Wisconsin’s secondary vulnerable, particularly when facing teams with dynamic wide receivers.
– **Why He’s a Risk**: Shaw has shown flashes of brilliance, but Big Ten offenses, with their mix of power running games and high-efficiency passing attacks, can exploit any weaknesses in the secondary. If Shaw and the other cornerbacks fail to keep up with elite receivers, the Badgers’ defense could give up big plays, which is dangerous when betting on a team with a thin margin of error.
– **Betting Tip**: If Shaw and the secondary struggle, especially in games against potent passing offenses, betting against Wisconsin could be a wise move. A lack of coverage could lead to high-scoring games, potentially working in favor of the opposing team.
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### Conclusion
The 2024 Wisconsin Badgers football team has its fair share of questions and uncertainties. While the team has some established stars like Braylon Allen and a strong defense led by Jim Leonhard’s coaching expertise, certain players and areas are worth keeping an eye on before placing a bet. Whether it’s a quarterback adjustment, the potential impact of an offensive line overhaul, or concerns in the secondary, these players could make betting against Wisconsin more appealing.
For fans of the Badgers, these concerns are far from insurmountable. With the right adjustments and development throughout the season, these players could prove their worth. But for those looking to place a bet against Wisconsin, these are the individuals and positions to monitor closely in the 2024 season.
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