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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 28: at Illinois Fighting Illini

Difficulty: 4

It’s been six years since Illinois has finished a season above .500, which came back in 2011 when a bowl game victory over UCLA pushed their record to 7-6.

The Badgers handled the Illini last season in Madison with ease, cruising to a 48-3 win, their most lopsided victory of the season.

Nov 12, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers fullback Alec Ingold (45) catches a pass as Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Patrick Nelson (21) defends during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers fullback Alec Ingold (45) catches a pass as Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Patrick Nelson (21) defends during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois has endured four different coaches since the last time they defeated Wisconsin, a 31-26 victory in Champaign under Ron Zook in 2008. Since then, all seven of the Badgers’ victories have come by double digits. In fact, Illinois has won just three times, a 3-16 record, against Wisconsin since 1992. Before that, the Illini had won 12 of 13 matchups.

Wisconsin vs. Illinois is an historic series that record-wise appears back and forth (Badgers lead 40-37), but has seen major runs by both teams, and right now the Badgers are in the middle of one with no intent on slowing down for the time being.

The Badgers will need to be careful this season in Champaign as Lovie Smith has team heading in the right direction and are a few years out from contending for a division title. Until then, the Badgers will need to keep their eye on the prize and take care of business in the land of orange.