The Wisconsin Badgers’ season may be over with the close loss to the Louisiana State University Tigers (35-31 L in the Reliaquest Bowl in Tampa), but the Badgers pushed the 13th-ranked Tigers to the limit in the game. Badger quarterback Tanner Mordecai would throw 378 yards with 27 completions on 40 passing attempts and three touchdowns.
It was a spectacular for Mordecai who was playing in his last game as a Badger. The quarterback will head to the NFL in 2024, making way for a new quarterback, whether it is a quarterback already on the team (Evers, Locke, etc.) or a transfer like Tyler Van Dyke, who has transferred in from Miami. Either way, the team is in good hands under head coach Luke Fickell. Even Mordecai knew that this Badgers team was and will continue to be special. ”
Wisconsin currently has the 25th best recruiting class and there is still time to go for Coach Fickell and his team to acquire more talent via the portal or through the recruiting process. With that being said, here is the way-too-early look at the Badgers schedule in 2024 with the players expected to return.
The Wisconsin Badgers, Led By Luke Fickell, Will See Another New Arm Behind Center As The Big Ten Gets More Crowded In 2024.
Western Michigan @ Wisconsin
The Badgers will start off their season with not the easiest of opponents in a home game against Western Michigan, but one that should be winnable. Presuming the quarterback will Tyler Van Dyke, the transfer from Miami, the Badgers could have a field day against the Western Michigan Broncos. Van Dyke was a three-year starter as a Hurricane and will have a lot of valuable game experience for the younger Badgers. With the Broncos going 4-8, it should not be very close.
Projection: W 45-7
South Dakota @ Wisconsin
The Badgers second opponent might be even easier. The Badgers will face South Dakota at Camp Randall Stadium. The last time they met, the Badgers put up 59 points on the Missouri Valley Conference members. Despite the 10-3 season from South Dakota, expect some higher numbers in this matchup as the Badgers will be less rusty after their run-in with Western Michigan.
Projection: W 42-10
Alabama @ Wisconsin
The Badgers’ first real opponent is none other than perennial powerhouse, the Alabama Crimson Tide. While the Crimson Tide haven’t been at their best to close out the 2023 season, Coach Nick Saban is still one of the best coaches and recruiters in the game. This being in Camp Randall Stadium helps the Badgers immensely. However, this could be the Badgers’ first loss.
Projection: L 34-24
Wisconsin @ Southern California (USC)
Wisconsin’s first away game is against one of the newest members of the Big Ten in Southern California. Not only will the Badgers unfamiliar with the trip like most Big Ten teams this year but the atmosphere in the Rose Bowl could play a factor. With the long travel time and Lincoln Riley standing on the Trojan sideline, this could be a difficult game for the Badgers.
Projection: L 21-20
Purdue @ Wisconsin
The Badgers return to Camp Randall Stadium to face the Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue went 4-8 this season, the worst of anyone in the Big Ten West. This should be an easier game for the Badgers. However, three of the Boilermakers wins came off conference opponents this year (Illinois, Minnesota and Indiana). The Badgers handled them in their 2023 contest in West Lafayette.
Projection: W 42-14
Wisconsin @ Rutgers
The Badgers will head to New Jersey where they will attempt to continue the streak against Rutgers. The Badgers have never lost to the Scarlet Knights in the five games they have faced off despite both being Big Ten members. Their most recent clash, the Badgers knocked off the Scarlet Knights 24-13 this year. It could be a close matchup that goes right down to the wire.
Projection: W 27-24
Wisconsin @ Northwestern
Northwestern got the better of Wisconsin this season, but with Tyler Van Dyke coming in from Miami, Wisconsin isn’t rebuilding; they are reloading as the saying goes. This will be a very interesting game to watch as on paper, they are very equal. The edge is still with Northwestern for now.
Projection: L 28-14
Penn State @ Wisconsin
This will be one of the big matchups as Wisconsin plays host to Penn State. The Badgers kept up with Nittany Lions in 2021 the last time the two teams played, just falling short 16-10. If it weren’t for the fact that Penn State is used to playing in large and loud atmospheres, it would be something to note about this being in Camp Randall Stadium. Penn State should win this one.
Projection: L 38-10
Wisconsin @ Iowa:
The Badgers lost to the Hawkeyes 15-6 in their matchup this year. With the firing of Iowa’s offensive coordinator, the logic would be for them to actually be better in 2024 with an offense that is capable of scoring. If that is something that is true, Iowa should win this matchup again in 2024.
Projection: L 24-21
Oregon @ Wisconsin:
What is arguably one of the most interesting games on this schedule, the Oregon Ducks and the Badgers will face off in Camp Randall as part of Oregon’s joining the Big Ten. Similar to the USC situation, the Ducks will have to travel from Eugene, Oregon all the way to Madison. It could be a factor in the game. Another story in this game is the battle of transfer quarterbacks.
Not only will Tyler Van Dyke be transferring to Wisconsin, but Dillon Gabriel, the former UCF and now former Oklahoma quarterback will transfer to Oregon as well as former UCLA quarterback Dante Moore. The expectation is that Gabriel will win the job due to his experience and success at Oklahoma under Brent Venables. Oregon will have to work but they were in the mix for College Football Playoff this year. They will be again next year.
Projection: L 45-10
Wisconsin @ Nebraska
This game will be another interesting one. Despite it being in Lincoln, the Badgers should be able to end the losing streak here. The Cornhuskers will have just have brought in a very good recruiting class in 2023. However, they will need another year or two to develop. It will be close but the Badgers take this one.
Projection: W 27-10
Minnesota @ Wisconsin
The Badgers finish out the regular season at home against the Golden Gophers. Minnesota was the sole team to make it into the bowl season with a 5-7 record. They would go on to win the game against Bowling Green in the Quick Lane Bowl. Having home-field advantage as well as it being Senior Day; the Badgers will be extra motivated to get the win.
Projection: W 35-20
Based on those “projections”, the Wisconsin Badgers would be 6-6 and headed to a bowl game. There is a large chance that they do much better than this or even do worse. We can’t predict what will happen on any given Saturday, but what we can be there to watch it.
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