Games to watch for Wisconsin football fans during the bye week

MADISON, WI - AUGUST 31: Garrett Groshek #37, Alex Hornibrook #12, and A.J. Taylor #4 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Camp Randall Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

4 of 8

ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 22: Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines throws a seocnd half pass while playing the Nebraska Cornhuskers on September 22, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

No. 14 Michigan at Northwestern

4:30p ET

FOX

When Wisconsin comes off its bye it’ll get Nebraska at home at night before going to Michigan to take on the Wolverines. This game could be about Northwestern if it plays well, but I’m watching this game to see how Michigan plays against the first legitimate opponent its faced since its week one loss to Notre Dame.

Since that abysmal week one showing in South Bend Michigan has been steamrolling its opponents putting up 49, 45, and 56 points while only giving up 3, 20, and 10 points respectively. That’s some high-powered offense and legit defense. If they can continue it on the road in conference play I’ll be impressed. Even if Northwestern is bad.

This game would get really exciting if Northwestern shows up to play and gives Michigan a game. Seeing how Michigan handles adversity for the first time in nearly a month will tell us a lot about this team. Wisconsin has seen tough games each of the last two weekends. The Badgers are already battle-tested. Michigan? Not so much.

Unfortunately, I don’t expect that to happen. Northwestern is off a bye week but the Wildcats haven’t played well all year. It could be a long day for them in Evanston.