Badgers football: Media picks UW to win West again – Madison.com
While the majority of Big Ten football writers believe the University of Wisconsin football team will repeat as West division champions this season, none believe the Badgers have what it takes to topple defending national champion Ohio State.
The media unanimously voted the Buckeyes to win the conference in the fifth annual cleveland.com Big Ten preseason football poll, while 32 of 40 voters picked UW to win the West division.
The remaining eight first-place votes were divided between Nebraska (5) and Minnesota (3).
If the poll proves correct, it would result in the Badgers’ fourth trip to the Big Ten Championship game in the past five years.
A pair of Buckeyes also won preseason offensive and defensive player of the year awards.
Running back Ezekiel Elliott, one of the early favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, took the top offensive honors with 31 of 39 first-place votes over Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook and Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones.
UW running back Corey Clement finished fifth and did not receive any first-place votes.
Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa, a potential No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick, took 37 of 38 first-place votes for preseason defensive player of the year.
The other went to Maryland cornerback William Likely, who finished fifth in the voting behind Michigan State defensive end Shilique Calhoun, Penn State defensive tackle Anthony Zettel and Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee.
Badgers outside linebacker Vince Biegel tied for seventh in the voting with two points, while UW safety Michael Caputo received one third-place vote to tie for 10th.
Here are the overall predicted rankings in the divisions, with point totals and first-place votes.
EAST
1. Ohio State 280 (40)
2. Michigan State 240
3. Penn State 186.5
4. Michigan 163.5
5. Maryland 95.5
6. Rutgers 78
7. Indiana 76.5
WEST
1. Wisconsin 272 (32)
2. Nebraska 231.5 (5)
3. Minnesota 197 (3)
4. Iowa 158.5
5. Northwestern 125
6. Illinois 77
7. Purdue 59
Big Ten Championship
Ohio State over Wisconsin (32)
Ohio State over Nebraska (5)
Ohio State over Minnesota (3)
Big Ten Champion
Ohio State (40)
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