Wisconsin Football: Three Underrated Teams That Could Surprise This Season

After a few rough football seasons, the Wisconsin Badgers are hoping for a better fall this year. A friendlier schedule is definitely helping that optimism along.

Last year, the Badgers had to face a brutal lineup packed with College Football Playoff contenders. That’s not the case this season, though a few under-the-radar teams could still trip them up.

So, who might sneak up on Wisconsin? Let’s look at three programs that could give the Badgers more trouble than you’d think.

Bob Chesney and the UCLA Bruins

First up: the UCLA Bruins. Head coach Bob Chesney is steering the ship now, and he’s already shaking things up in Westwood.

Chesney wasn’t the flashiest hire of the offseason. Still, he’s got a reputation for turning programs around, and some folks think he’ll do just that at UCLA.

UCLA’s Transfer Class

UCLA grabbed headlines by bringing in over 40 transfers. That’s a wild number, honestly.

But it’s not just about quantity. The Bruins landed several Power Four players who could make an immediate impact. Sure, it’ll take a minute for everyone to mesh, but there’s a lot of upside here.

Nico Iamaleava’s Leadership

Veteran quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to lead the way. He’s mobile, he’s got that natural playmaking feel, and he’s not afraid to take some risks.

If things break right, UCLA could be a real headache for Wisconsin. Wouldn’t bet against them making some noise.

USC Trojans: A Make-or-Break Year for Lincoln Riley

USC is another team that might not be getting enough attention. Head coach Lincoln Riley is feeling the heat to deliver, and the Trojans are loaded with talent.

Offensive Firepower

That offense? It’s stacked. They’ve got their starting quarterback back, both top running backs, and a veteran offensive line.

It’s a group that knows how to move the ball, and they won’t be easy to stop.

Defensive Strength

On defense, Gary Patterson steps in as coordinator. He’s got a ton of experience, and USC’s roster isn’t short on athletes.

If Patterson can whip that unit into shape, this could be the toughest Big Ten game on Wisconsin’s calendar.

Maryland Terrapins: A Potential Upset

Don’t sleep on Maryland. They beat Wisconsin 27-10 last year, and there’s a chance they could do it again, even if most folks are picking them to finish near the bottom of the conference.

Malik Washington’s Impact

Quarterback Malik Washington is the one to watch. If he gets hot, Maryland can hang with just about anyone in the league.

They’ve also got a pair of sophomore pass-rushers in Zahir Mathis and Sydney Stewart. Those two could cause real problems for Wisconsin’s offense if things click.

The Home Field Advantage

This season’s game against Maryland is set in College Park. That gives the Terrapins a real home-field advantage.

Wisconsin will need to come prepared with strategies to deal with Washington and those relentless pass-rushers. Last year’s performance? Yeah, it wasn’t exactly a highlight.

UCLA, USC, and Maryland all have the potential to throw a wrench in Wisconsin’s plans. The Badgers might find the season trickier than it looks on paper. For more details, check out the original article on Yahoo Sports.