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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, October 21: vs. Maryland Terrapins

Difficulty: 4

The same thing applies here with the Terrapins as it did with the Boilermakers. A brutal first half of the year will end in Madison after Maryland takes on the likes of Texas, Minnesota, and Ohio State- all on the road.

Since joining the Big Ten, the Terps have not yet created much noise, seemingly a middle-of-the-pack team that does not have any major wins or contending years under their belt. In the Badgers’ last meeting with Maryland, a road game in 2015, a late comeback almost doomed the Badgers as they were able to hold on 31-24.

Nov 7, 2015; College Park, MD, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Alec Ingold (45) runs for a third quarter touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; College Park, MD, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Alec Ingold (45) runs for a third quarter touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /

Being in the Big Ten East, it will likely be awhile until the Terrapins are contending for a division title, seeing that Penn State, Michigan, and Ohio State are the top dogs over there for the moment.

Another team the Badgers have at home following a tough opening stretch, Wisconsin will likely benefit from Maryland simply running out of gas. Thinking on the flip side of things, Maryland has some quietly talented players and could use the tough schedule to finally figure things out and pose as a threat for teams later on.

Will the Terps make a bowl game this season with their difficult schedule? Unlikely. Will they upset a team or two along the way and play spoiler? That is something to heavily consider.