The Wisconsin Badgers arguably have the most difficult schedule in all of college football. With trips to Michigan, Alabama, Oregon, and Indiana on the slate, in addition to home contests against Ohio State, Iowa, Washington, and Illinois, it’s safe to say that Luke Fickell’s team will have its work cut out if it is to return to bowl eligibility.
The good news for the Badgers: one of their winnable games is up on Saturday afternoon. That is against the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders, who are projected to be one of the worst teams in all of the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Wisconsin will look to go 2-0 to start the season for the second year in a row, just in time for its Week 3 matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Unlike last year, the Crimson Tide has shown early struggles, falling by double digits to the Florida State Seminoles. Winning on the road in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is not something a team should expect or rely on, though it is definitely more likely without Nick Saban on the sidelines.
As we approach this upcoming game against Middle Tennessee, here are the reasons why Wisconsin will either win comfortably or face a tighter matchup.
Why Wisconsin wins: Defense
As mentioned countless times, Wisconsin’s Week 1 defensive performance was very impressive. It was reminiscent of Badger defenses of the past. That is a huge step in the right direction for Luke Fickell’s program, which has struggled to find an identity both offensively and defensively during his first two seasons in Madison.
Why Wisconsin loses: Billy Edwards’ injury
Wisconsin losing yet another starting quarterback due to injury is unlucky, to say the least. It could also have real effects on how many games the team wins this season. Wisconsin’s two most winnable games left on the schedule are this Saturday against MTSU and in two weeks at home against Maryland. Danny O’Neil proved to be serviceable in limited action in Week 1. He’ll now need to prove that he can play well over the course of a full game. I don’t doubt his ability to be able to, but there’s always reason for worry when the team’s backup is under center, as compared to the starter.
Why Wisconsin wins: Complementary football
Overall, Wisconsin is the more talented team top to bottom. Its defense proved to be impressive against Miami (Ohio), with even the offense flashing signs of brilliance. If Wisconsin can play a complementary brand of football, where the offense capitalizes on strong defensive stands and the running game helps open up the passing offense, then the Badgers should have zero trouble beating the Blue Raiders comfortably.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Reasons Wisconsin football wins or struggles against Middle Tennessee
