After beginning my preview of the 2024 Wisconsin football schedule yesterday, today I switch over to the next three opponents. I have the Badgers currently with a 2-1 record with wins against Western Michigan and South Dakota and a loss to Alabama. The next three opponents are at USC, home against Purdue, and at Rutgers. Here is how I see these three games playing out.
Wisconsin Football Schedule Preview: September 28 at USC
After a bye week following the Alabama game, Wisconsin football travels to Southern California. The Badgers and Trojans have not played each other since the 2015 Holiday Bowl. Wisconsin football won that game 23-21.
Like most blue bloods, USC does lose a ton of talent from a season ago. The most notable departure is Caleb Williams, the best quarterback in college football last year. Miller Moss should be the starter. Moss did record 681 yards and seven passing touchdowns. It’s no Williams, but Moss looks to be a solid college football quarterback.
The Trojans lost their top two running backs and top two receivers from last year to the NFL. There is no doubt there will be a ton of talented players on this roster, but I think this a game the Badgers steal on the road. I doubt they will be favorites, but if there is a road game to steal, it could be this one.
Purdue: October 5
After a tough road test, Wisconsin football returns home to take on Purdue. The Badgers beat the Boilermakers in West Lafayette last year 38-17. It was a good comeback effort from Purdue, but the game never felt that close.
Purdue is still rebuilding under second year head coach Ryan Walters. After going 4-8 in 2023, they do return quarterback Hudson Card and running back Devin Mockobee. I like Mockobee as a running back, but Card will need to be a difference maker in this game. I am not sure he can be. Purdue also lost their top two receivers form last year to the transfer portal. I don’t see the Badgers having an issue with this game.
At Rutgers: October 12
For years, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights were the worst team in the Big Ten and one of the worst teams in the FBS. After bringing back Greg Schiano, Rutgers has turned the program around and even won a bowl game last season. This will be no cake walk for Wisconsin football.
The Badgers won’t see Gavin Wimsatt at quarterback, but they will see a familiar face. Athan Kaliakmanis, the former Minnesota quarterback, will likely be the starter for the Scarlet Knights. Running back Kyle Monangai is back after rushing for almost 1,300 yards. He is a big back at 5’11 and 210 pounds.
The biggest question with the Rutgers offense is the pass game. Kaliakmanis is now in his fourth year and has not seemed to take the next step. This could be a low-scoring game where a turnover makes the difference. I think the Wisconsin football offense will be better this year and should score enough points to win this game.
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