2023 is the year Wisconsin has to take advantage of their schedule. The two games that stick out are Iowa and Ohio State, both of which are at home. The other ten games you would think the Badgers should win. Will they will be the question. With that being said, here is how I would rank the 12 opponents on the Badgers schedule.
12. Georgia Southern
The Badgers should and will have no issues with this game. The only downside (if you want to call it that), is the the 11 AM kickoff time. Students usually don’t make the 11 AM non-conference kickoff much of a priority.
11. Buffalo
It’s the first game of the Luke Fickell era. I expect Camp Randall to be rocking. It could take some some to adjust, but I think Wisconsin handles business easily week one.
10. Northwestern
Northwestern may not win a Big Ten game all season. They were bad last year and they might be worse this year. With this game in Madison, I’d be shocked if this was a competitive game by the fourth quarter.
9. Rutgers
It should be yet again another down year for the Scarlet Knights. Like Northwestern, they may not win a Big Ten game all year either. The good news? Northwestern and Rutgers play each other week one so something will have to give.
8. Washington State
It’s going to be a tough ask for Wisconsin to travel to Pullman Washington early in the season. I don’t see it being a cake walk, but I think Wisconsin is out for revenge after the Cougars shocked the Badgers in Madison last year.
7. Indiana
Tom Allen has had one good year in Bloomington and that’s it. Road games are never easy in the Big Ten. However, I would expect by this time the Badgers are hitting their stride.
6. Purdue
Purdue will likely take a step back this year. After playing in the Big Ten Championship last year, they lose a lot of pieces including their quarterback and head coach. This is a Friday night road game in West Lafayette. Wisconsin should take care of business, but this one won’t be easy.
5. Illinois
I don’t expect a lot of points to be scored in this one. Wisconsin will be looking for revenge after Illinois came into Madison and beat the Badgers about as bad as I’ve seen on their home field. Like Purdue, Illinois will need to replace a ton of production from last year.
4. Nebraska
In the home finale, the Freedom Trophy is on the line. I’ll be honest, Nebraska could have eight wins or eight losses by this time. It’s such a roller coaster in Lincoln every year. I do think they have the right coach now in Matt Rhule. The Cornhuskers have given the Badgers everything they have wanted and then some as of late.
3. Minnesota
It doesn’t matter the records. When you play your rival for the Ax, it’s always one of the most important games and toughest games of the year. It’s going to be tough going to Minneapolis to get the Ax back. Wisconsin will likely have to win this game to win the Big Ten West.
2. Iowa
I believe whoever wins this game in Madison on October 14 will win the Big Ten West. Iowa and Wisconsin have done a ton of good work in the transfer portal on the offensive side of the ball. It will still be a slug-fest, but I give the Badgers the edge because of the location.
1. Ohio State
This is a no brainier. Anytime the Buckeyes are on your schedule, it’s the toughest game and best team on your schedule. Will this be the year Wisconsin gets their first win over the national powerhouse since 2010?
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