Wisconsin was already in good position to challenge for a Big Ten title this season, but one of many replacements head coach Bret Bielema had to contend with was the quarterback position, which had been vacated by Scott Tolzien.  As consistent as Tolzien was last season, the Badgers just upgraded this afternoon, when former NC State three-year starter Russell Wilson announced that he will be suiting up in Madison this fall.

Wilson, who also plays professional baseball in the Colorado Rockies organization was released from NC State by head coach Tom O’Brien.  O’Brien wanted to have his team focused on the 2011 season, and he felt that Wilson’s baseball obligations hindered that focus.

This, despite overwhelming success in his three years as the Wolfpack’s starting signal-caller.  In his time in Raleigh, Wilson amassed over 8,500 passing yards and over 1,000 yards rushing, while throwing for 76 touchdowns, compared to just 26 Int’s.

His presence at Wisconsin should make a very immediate impact.  Unlike the spread offense at Auburn (which was reportedly the other finalist Wilson considered), Wisconsin is a more traditional offense, similar to the one he ran for three years when he starred at NC State.  The only difference is that Wilson never had a running game to rely on like the one he will join in August.

Although bruising tailback, John Clay is no longer there, the Badgers will once again boast one of the top rushing attacks in the nation, led by sophomore James White and junior Montee Ball.  Ball fell just four yards short of breaking the 1,000 yard mark, while White tallied 1,056 yards as a true freshman.  The tandem put up those numbers, despite splitting carries with Clay.

Cynics will point to the departure of both offensive tackles, including Gabe Carimi in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, the Badgers will only reload in 2011 on a unit that has been a hot-bed for the NFL.  Expect senior guard Kevin Zeitler to be the next high draft pick to lead another smash-mouth running game this fall (and you can also expect to hear Zeitler’s name early in the 2012 NFL Draft…mark it down).

If the Wisconsin defense, led by safety Aaron Henry can hold up their end, Wilson and the Badger offense will be much more explosive than in year’s past.  Wilson is quite possibly at his best when the pocket breaks down–just ask Florida State, who gave up three rushing TDs to Wilson last season.

He adds escapability and play-making ability to an offense that only lost one game in the Big Ten last season.  Add talented wide out Nick Toon to the equation, and Bielema may just have the formula for a Big Ten title run and a shot at being a top 5 team.  Although one player doesn’t make a team, a smart, athletic quarterback who is a proven winner will only make Wisconsin better.  At the least, the Badgers will be favored by many to lock up the newly expanded Big Ten.

The wait is over.  Several CSF writers collaborated for our first ever CSF Preseason Top 25, and after four weeks, we have worked our way to our top five teams, heading into the 2011 season.  Without further adieu, here are the five teams we feel have the best chance at competing for a national title this year.

5.  Oregon:  A return to the Rose Bowl this year should thrill Duck fans, but last year’s run will make the season seem like a disappointment. Too much on the defensive side was lost, and it will show in road games against LSU and Stanford.  –  Peter Marhoefer, Mr. Touchdown USA

Most notably, the Ducks return LaMichael James and QB Daron Thomas.  They’re still the best team in the Pacific Atlantic Numeric, but I think playing LSU away from Autzen in September will take a bit of steam out of 2011.  –  Justin Cange, CSF writer/contributor

4.  Florida State: After getting throttled in Norman by the Sooners last year, it appeared Florida State was once again an over-hyped team in the weak ACC.  However, the ‘Noles, and most notably cornerback Greg Reid (who was picked on all game long by Oklahoma) played with a chip on their shoulder and appear to have their swagger back, after dismantling the hated Florida Gators and taking down favored South Carolina in the Chik-fil-A Bowl.  They return a stable of running backs, an experienced offensive line and a defense led by DE Brandon Jenkins that was tops in the nation with 48 sacks last season.  –  Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

The ‘Noles of the 90′s may be on precipitous of returning as Jimbo Fisher guided FSU to a quiet 10-win season in 2010.  The ‘Noles have recruiting momentum in the Sunshine State again, after finally beating the Gators last year.  They return nine starters on each side of the ball, they don’t play North Carolina or Virginia Tech and the ACC is still down.  Sounds less crazy now, right?  –  Justin Cange, CSF writer/contributor (Justin picked FSU as #1)

3.  LSU:  If athleticism won championships, they would be my #1.  Surely one of the Les Miles gambles will finally come back to bite him this year?  If they hire a clock management coach I’ll move them  higher.  –  Christian Hon, CSF writer/contributor

A match-up with Oregon in September is already being hyped up, but the Tigers return 17 starters from last year’s Cotton Bowl team, and they should be prepared to make a statement early in the season. As long as Jordan Jefferson can find some consistency under center, Les Miles will have a high-power offense to go along with an always athletic and strong defense.  –  Nick Mattar, CSF writer/contributor

2.  Alabama:  Trent Richardson will finally get to carry the majority of the rushing load, and he will have a lot of help with a strong offensive line returning from last season. Questions abound at other skill positions, but the defense should still be powerful, and defensive end Damion Square will be leading the way. A home game against a very strong LSU squad may determine who goes to the national championship game in January.  –  Nick Mattar, CSF writer/contributor

Nick Saban returns a stacked defense led by yet another stud linebacker in Dont’a Hightower.  The dominant Tide running game never seemed to return to the level of 2009, mostly due to nagging injuries to Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson.  If Richardson can stay healthy in 2011, expect him to make the trip to New York as a Heisman finalist, and more importantly, expect Bama to reclaim the SEC Championship, which would put them in prime position for another BCS title game.  –  Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

1.  Oklahoma:  A Lock for the #1 spot with the surprise return of many NFL ready players.  However, history tells us that seniors returning to “finish the job” rarely do.  –  Christian Hon, CSF writer/contributor

A lighter Big 12 will allow the Sooners to focus on three games vs. improving Texas, Texas A&M, and the Ole’ defense of Oklahoma State.  Nine Offensive starters should vault Oklahoma to the top spot if Stanford stumbles. A trip to Florida State, which will have revenge on the mind after last year’s rout in early September could ruin the Sooners hope for a BCS Championship Game appearance.  –  Peter Marhoefer, Mr. Touchdown USA

Peter Marhoefer- Mr. TouchdownUSA

There are lots of great non-conference match ups in September everyone is talking about, however here are some games of intrigue you should search your cable listings for.

Friday, September 2nd- TCU @ Baylor

Baylor should be sky high for the return visit from the Rose Bowl Champs. Last years 45-10 beat down, in which Baylor Quarterback Robert Griffin stated, “”I’ve never been more embarrassed in my life. … None of us wanted to come out here and have a showcase like this.”

We will see if TCU comes out with the same fire as last seasons record setting season or will be going through the motions in their final season in the Mountain West Conference.

The Baylor faithful have no excuse to not fill Floyd Casey stadium for this game. If they fail to, a TCU home game two hours South of Ft. Worth might emerge.

Saturday, September 10th- Utah @ USC

The Utes introduction to the PAC 12 could be a rude introduction or a program elevating triumph. Many are picking Utah to represent the division in the inaugural PAC 12 Championship game.

As the Reggie Bush sanctions against the USC program continues, it will be interesting to see how the Trojans react after a disappointing 2010 season. As many casual fans abandon the USC program, the home field advantage in this game might not be as significant as years past. The Trojans “us against the world” attitude may be harshly tested.

Saturday, September 17- Penn State @ Temple

When Temple coach Al Golden left for Miami (FL) he did not leave a bare cupboard for new coach Steve Addazio. Temple players can finally imagine what selling out Lincoln Financial Field would feel like as 50,000 Penn State fans will make that dream come true.

This may be a tough game for the Nittany Lions to get up for after a home date vs. Alabama. Temple gave Penn State a tough time in University Park in 2010 losing 22-13. The Owls could come away with their first victory since 1941.

Friday, September 23- Central Florida @ BYU

Central Florida will land in Provo catching the Cougars after a BCS gauntlet of Ole Miss, Texas, and Utah. BYU which could very easily be 3-0 or 0-3 at this point, will have a short week to prepare for this Friday Night game vs. the defending C-USA champs.

Saturday, September 24- Florida @ Kentucky

This may be one of the biggest games in the history of the Kentucky Football Program. Florida will be taking it’s first road trip with new coach Will Muschamp. Kentucky has Auburn, Alabama, and Arkansas off of the schedule,  MUST win this game to move the program forward.

If the Wildcats prevail, it could be a magical season of 9-11 victories in Lexington and a possible first appearance in the SEC Championship Game.