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Wisconsin Football: Grading the difficulty of the Badgers’ 2017 schedule

By Trevor Jossart

Oct 1, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Wilton Speight (3) drops back to pass in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 14-7. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Wilton Speight (3) drops back to pass in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 14-7. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Saturday, September 30: vs. Northwestern Wildcats

Difficulty: 5

The Badgers secured their first victory this century in Evanston last year when they knocked off the Wildcats in a 21-7 defensive battle. On the flip side, before the Wildcats’ win in Madison in 2015, it had also been a very long time since they have won in Madison, with almost every game being a blow out in favor of the Badgers.

Certainly, the difficulty would be higher if this game was not being played in Madison, as we all know it is very challenging to win conference road games. Northwestern will likely have a similar team from last year- skilled and potent on the offensive side of the ball, but shaky on defense.

Nov 5, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Jazz Peavy (11) runs the ball during the second half of the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Jazz Peavy (11) runs the ball during the second half of the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

The Badgers were able to slow down the Wildcats’ offense a year ago, holding them to their lowest point total of the season (tied) and getting enough out of their offense to hold on. With a much more improved and experienced offensive attack this season, the Badgers should be able to take care of business in the conference opener, especially with it being in Madison.

There could be a good indication of how “for-real” the Wildcats are as they face an early road test the second game of the season when they visit the Duke Blue Devils. A 3-0 start for Northwestern could mean all the difference for their confidence heading into Camp Randall.