Despite a season with unexpected losses and an in-season coaching change, the Wisconsin Badgers football team could still have a successful season in 2022.
First, they are one win short of being bowl eligible, an important fact considering the team has played in a bowl in 20 consecutive years. And with a 3-3 record in the Big Ten West Division, they are only a game out of first place. A West Division title might seem impossible, but a little help from divisional foes and a sweep of their last three games could open the door that seemed slammed shut just a month ago.
Running the table in their last three games
The Badgers have three games remaining on their schedule. They have away games against Iowa on November 12 and Nebraska on November 19, and then finish their schedule with a home game against Minnesota on November 26. Both Iowa and Minnesota are tied with Wisconsin in the standings at 3-3 (Purdue is the fourth team at 3-3 in the West Division).
For the Badgers to have any chance of challenging for the West title, they will need to win their last three games and have Illinois lose two of their remaining three contests. The Illini play at home against Purdue then end their season with a pair of road games against Michigan and Northwestern.
So, what are the chances of the Badgers running the table in their last three games? Here is a summary of how these matchups against these three schools have fared in the past.
Wisconsin vs. Iowa, November 12
“Bucky” has won five of the last six games against Iowa and nine of the last 13. Playing on the road, the Badgers are 6-2 at Iowa City since 2006.
Wisconsin vs. Nebraska, November 19
Wisconsin has won eight straight against Nebraska and 10 of their last 11. Playing on the road against the Cornhuskers, Wisconsin has won three of the last four on Nebraska’s home field.
Wisconsin vs. Minnesota, November 26
The Badgers and Minnesota have split the last four games they have played in the series; the Badgers have, however, won 16 and lost only two to the Gophers since 2004. Wisconsin is 10-1 in Madison since 2000 when they have hosted Minnesota.
The Badgers have won three of their last four games since Jim Leonhard replaced Paul Chryst as head coach. Their loss was a double-overtime defeat to Michigan State on the road. After their Week #5 loss, 42-7 to Illinois, Badgers fans would not have expected their team still had life for a successful 2022.
A 3-1 record after a 2-3 start and a history of success against their last three opponents could spell a great finish in Madison.
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