As we enter the month of October, we are only three weeks away from the beginning of the 2020 Wisconsin football season. It’s hard to believe the last time we saw the Badgers play was a New Years Day heartbreaking loss to Oregon in the Rose Bowl. In this article, I’ll be sharing my early thoughts on the shortened schedule for the Badgers.
The Home Schedule Is Favorable
The Badgers open up the schedule October 24 at home against Illinois. Wisconsin suffered a shocking 24-23 loss to Illinois on the road last year. Wisconsin will be looking for revenge. Wisconsin plays host to Purdue November 7, Minnesota November 28, and Indiana December 5.
Minnesota is the toughest home game on the schedule this year. Minnesota is looking to avenge a 38-17 loss to the Badgers in Minneapolis last season. Wisconsin will be looking to keep Paul Bunyan’s Ax for another year.
Purdue is in re-building mode this year after going 4-8 last season. This includes a 45-24 loss to Wisconsin at Camp Randall last season. Indiana is a member of the Big Ten West and is coming off a 8-4 season last year. The Hoosiers made the Gator Bowl last season and lost to Tennessee 23-33. Indiana has talent, but I expect Wisconsin to come out with a victory.
The Road Schedule Is Not As Favorable
The road schedule is almost the opposite as the home schedule. It’s hard to see a road game that Wisconisn shouldn’t have trouble winning. Wisconsin’s road schedule includes Nebraska October 31, Michigan November 14, Northwestern 21, and Iowa December 12. I feel most confident about Nebraska as a game Wisconsin should come out with a win.
Regardless if there fans in the stands or a limited amount of fans, it’s never easy to go to Ann Arbor and walk out with a win. I believe Wisconisn can do it, but it’s going to be a challenge. Michigan has a roster loaded with talent year in and year out.
Any Wisconsin fan knows how tough Northwestern plays Wisconisn in Evanston, regardless of the Wildcats’ record. Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald always has his players ready to play against Wisconsin. Northwestern is in rebuilding mode this year, but don’t expect this to be an easy win right now for Wisconsin.
Iowa is a similar situation to Michigan and Northwestern. Iowa is one of the best college football environments, making it tough for any road team to escape with a victory. This game has Big Ten West championship implications and will most likely be low-scoring with very few possessions. Wisconsin has had a ton of recent success at Iowa. I believe Wisconsin can go into Kinnick Stadium and come out with a win.
Wisconsin Is The Favorite In The Big Ten West
The home schedule and the road schedule seem to be two different stories for the Badgers. At the end of the day, I still see Wisconisn winning the Big Ten West and representing the West division in the Big Ten Championship December 19. At the end of the day, Wisconsin has the best talent, defense, and coaching staff in the West.
Minnesota and Iowa will be on Wisconsin’s heels throughout the year, but I believe the Badgers pull it out at the end of the year and make it to the Big Ten Championship against Ohio State most likely. Wisconsin Badger Football is almost back and I can’t wait for the ride this season will bring!
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