In just under six week, Wisconsin football will open their 2024 season. The Badgers will begin the year against Western Michigan on August 30 at Camp Randall Stadium. Like every year, the Badgers will play 12 games. However, with the expansion of the Big Ten, they will play Oregon and USC as conference games. This will be a four part series with three opponents. Here is part one.
Wisconsin Football Schedule Preview: Week 1- Western Michigan
![Previewing The 2024 Wisconsin Football Schedule: Part 1 1 Tyler Van Dyke Wisconsin Badgers](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/USATSI_21962385_168400517_lowres-900x600.jpg)
The beginning of year two under head coach Luke Fickell begins under the lights. The first game against Western Michigan will be an 8 PM kickoff on FS1.
The Broncos went 4-8 in 2023 and did not play in a bowl game. They will return some of their top offensive weapons. Hayden Wolff will likely be the starter after leading the team with 1,505 yards passing last season. He was not the only quarterback to throw for at least 700 yards.
On the ground, look for Jalen Buckley to be the main ball carrier. He led the team with 1,003 yards. No other back had more than 405 yards. For the first game, Buckley could be the bell cow. Kenneth Womack returns after leading the team with 691 yards and one touchdown. Tight end Anthony Sambucci led the team with five receiving touchdowns on 318 yards in 2023.
Wisconsin football should breeze past Western Michigan and open the year 1-0.
Week 2: South Dakota
![Previewing The 2024 Wisconsin Football Schedule: Part 1 2 USATSI 21436142](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/USATSI_21436142-928x600.jpg)
This could be a potential trap game for Wisconsin football in week two. The Badgers will take on the Coyotes on September 7 at 2:30 PM on FS1 again. South Dakota is an FCS team and made it to the second round of the FCS playoffs last year. They finished the year 10-3.
Like Western Michigan, the Coyotes return their quarterback, top running back, and top receiver from a year ago. Quarterback Aiden Bouman threw for over 2,500 yards and 15 touchdowns as a freshman. Running back Travis Theis was the bell cow back last year with 177 carries for 844 yards and six touchdowns. At 5’11 and 210 pounds, he could be a load for the Wisconsin football defense to take down. Carter Bell leads the receiving room after 896 yards and five touchdowns on 51 receptions. Tight end JJ Galbreath had 579 yards and five scores.
I don’t see Wisconsin football losing to an FCS team, but I would not be surprised if this was a tight game in the fourth quarter. It should be a good test.
Week 3: Alabama
![Previewing The 2024 Wisconsin Football Schedule: Part 1 3 Wisconsin football](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_23111982_168400517_lowres-1175x600.jpg)
The game a lot of Wisconsin football fans have been waiting years for. The Crimson Tide come to Madison on September 14 for an 11 AM FOX Big Noon Kickoff game (like most, I hate the early kickoff).
Out is Nick Saban after retiring. The Crimson Tide hired former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer after he led the Huskies to the College Football Playoff National Championship game last year.
Like most years, Alabama loses a ton of players to the NFL Draft. However, they do bring back quarterback Jalen Milroe. For this early in the season and the first true road game under DeBoer, I think Milroe plays a huge factor.
Not a lot of production outside of Milroe returns, but this roster is full of NFL talent. Some players will step up who did not need to last year. I think Wisconsin football keeps this game close, but I think Alabama wins this game in the fourth quarter.
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