Wisconsin transfer offensive lineman James Durand announced his commitment to Western Illinois on Wednesday. The former Badger is one of 24 scholarship players to enter the transfer portal, pending Xavier Lucas’ departure. Durand is the 20th to announce his new destination.

A La Niña winter just started, but it isn't expected to last long. National forecasters are already looking ahead to the spring season.

Rating metrics hold their optimistic outlook for the Badgers after its win over a highly-ranked Buckeyes team. Wisconsin remains in the Big Ten’s top tier in both KenPom and ESPN BPI: KenPom: No. 21 overall (same ranking as it held after the Minnesota win) and No. 5 in the Big Ten, with the No. 12 offense and No. 50 defense in the country.

The Badgers are seemingly a lock to make the NCAA Tournament. Their remaining schedule is a difficult one, with a road trip west to take on USC and UCLA looming along with future games with Maryland (away), Iowa (away), Purdue (away), Illinois (home), Oregon (home), and Michigan State (away) still on their remaining schedule.

When Jimmy Carter carried Wisconsin in 1976, the 15 most Democratic counties did not include Milwaukee or Dane.