Braun: After the ugly showing the UW football team put on last season, it only makes sense to assume it will once again be in the cellar of the Big Ten. I mean, without P.J. Hill and with new faces all over the defense, we could expect an even worse year from the Badgers.

Well, call me an optimist, but I’m thinking the exact opposite. With a much easier schedule, another year under the belt for quarterback Dustin Sherer and with running back John Clay being the No. 1 option in the backfield, I expect better things from the football squad this year.

Notice how I said “better.”

I’m not saying the Badgers will beat Ohio State in Columbus or even come close to the 12-1 mark they put up in 2006, but with a much easier schedule than last season, they should be able to pull out some trouble-free victories over conference opponents, something they couldn’t rely on last season. Also, with head coach Bret Bielema’s seat getting warmer with every loss, you can bet — or at least hope — he won’t make some of the same coaching errors he made last season.

Either way, whether the Badgers come out strong or stumble out of the gates, you can at least expect them to perform well at home. If they do that alone, we should be in for a better season than last year.

Bleach: Jonah, optimistic is hoping you manage to pass an exam Friday morning after an evening of frivolous debauchery Thursday.

Predicting a big year for the Badgers?

That’s crossing the line to delusional.

In fact, I think I’m being lenient just predicting they repeat last year’s performance, finishing the year 7-6.

You helped me out by naming the reasons for me. P.J. Hill leaving, while allowing for Jon Clay to get more carries, doesn’t guarantee success. Last year Hill averaged 5.1 yards per carry and found the end zone 13 times. The running game was the one facet that wasn’t a problem last year, and it’s not like you’re replacing a stiff.

Dustin Sherer may have more experience under his belt, but the ruckus people caused in the spring to start redshirt freshman Curt Phillips doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. He is a question mark at best.

Finally, you point to the man himself, Bret Bielema. The BMOC (Big Man On Campus) has puzzlingly regressed each year. From year one people wanted to sign him to a Charlie Weiss sized contract (which has worked out real well for the Fighting Irish), in year two fans became a bit more wary of the book of Bielema and last season a debate raged after each loss for how long he should keep his job. In case you forgot, that was six losses in 13 games.

The Badgers have question marks all over the field. And like that exam you took Friday morning, the answers are unlikely to appear.