Yesterday, I began my game by game predictions for the Wisconsin Football team. I currently have this team at 3-0 going into the second portion of the schedule.
After three non-conference games, Wisconsin now begins their Big Ten portion of the schedule. Here is how I have the Badgers going in these next three contests.
September 22- Wisconsin Football at Purdue
There is a ton of turnover for the Boilermakers heading into the season. They lost their head coach Jeff Brohm to Louisville. In comes former Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters. Walters was one of the best defensive coordinators in the country over his time in Champaign.
The Boilermakers also do not have Aidan O’Connell at quarterback as he is with the Las Vegas Raiders. O’Connell was very good with his arm and provided stability. In now is Texas transfer Hudson Card.
I might be in the minority on this, but I believe this is another potential trap game for this Wisconsin Football team. This will be a Friday night game instead of Saturday. That means less time to prepare and adjusting the normal week schedule. That is a always a tough ask for any team.
I expect growing pains in West Lafayette this year, but I think this team will be in a lot of games because of their defense. Expect Wisconsin to be tested in a night road game in front of a loud crowd. However, I think the Badgers get a late score and escape with a road win headed into a bye week.
Wisconsin wins. Record: 4-0
October 7- Wisconsin Football vs Rutgers
Ncaa Guaranteed Rate Bowl
The Badgers will have 15 days off between games. They will return home to take on Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights continue to look for an identity and overall talent. With the addition of Greg Schiano, the move has not paid off to this point.
The only thing I worry about in this game is rust. 15 days is a long time off and rust is usually there especially early. If Wisconsin can knock that off early, there should be no issues with Rutgers. After Northwestern, this is the worst team in the Big Ten. I expect this game to be out of reach early.
Wisconsin wins. Record: 5-0
October 14- Wisconsin Football vs Iowa
This begins the three game gauntlet for this Wisconsin Football team. If you look at any Big Ten predictions, Wisconsin is seen as a slight favorite over Iowa to win the Big Ten West. The Badgers and Hawkeyes were horrible on offense last year, but had success in the transfer portal.
Iowa will be led by their defense as they are every year. It’s consistently one of the best in the country in all three units. On offense, they bring in Michigan transfers Cade McNamara at quarterback and Erick All at tight end. They also add Ohio State transfer receiver Kaleb Brown.
This game comes down to the quarterbacks. Either McNamara or Tanner Mordecai will make plays down the stretch. I understand the hype Iowa gets coming into the year, but Wisconsin is better and deeper at running back and wide receiver. Offensive line and quarterback are even.
This game will be close and low-scoring as well. Give me the Badgers in a close game that comes down to a field goal.
Wisconsin wins. Record: 6-0
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