As spring practice approaches, we're taking a snapshot of the state of each Big Ten program. We're looking at recent performance, won-loss trends, coaching, current personnel and future personnel.
Read more from this series here.
Wisconsin leads us off.
2014 record: 11-3 (7-1 Big Ten, West Division champions)
Three-year record: 28-13
Coaching situation: After having only two coaches during a 23-year span, Wisconsin turns to its third leading man since 2012 in Paul Chryst. A former Badgers quarterback and assistant coach, Chryst spent the past three seasons as Pitt's coach. He retained talented defensive coordinator Dave Aranda and brought back former Wisconsin assistant Joe Rudolph as offensive coordinator.
Roster situation: The Badgers lose Doak Walker Award winner and Big Ten MVP Melvin Gordon, but they have Corey Clement waiting and a superb track record at running back. They must replace pieces on both lines, especially at nose tackle on defense, and also at linebacker. Wisconsin returns one of the nation's most experienced secondaries and a potential star in outside linebacker Vince Biegel. Quarterback Joel Stave, despite his critics, is 20-6 as the starter.
Recruiting situation: Gary Andersen's stunning departure took a toll on a promising recruiting class, as eight players decommitted during the coaching transition. Chryst and his staff finished strong, adding ESPN 300 safety Arrington Farrar on signing day. Wisconsin also added nice pieces at traditionally strong positions running back, offensive line and tight end. Wide receiver remains a major weakness.
Trajectory: Sideways. Wisconsin survived one unexpected coaching change and continued to deliver very good seasons under Andersen, but is the program immune to shakeups? We'll soon find out. Few FBS programs have been more consistent than the Badgers, who are always in the Big Ten title hunt despite being a peg or two shy of the nation's elite.
Unlike Andersen, Chryst has significant familiarity with the program and its benefits and challenges. As Wisconsin's offensive coordinator, he took Scott Tolzien from average to very good and Russell Wilson from very good to elite. If he can develop Stave and invigorate a sleepy passing game, Wisconsin should be able to maintain its standard and possibly take a step. Perimeter speed remains a concern, as it was for Andersen. Wisconsin is still the team to beat in the West Division, but Chryst, a .500 coach at Pittsburgh, must show he can keep the wins coming.