Week 3 vs Michigan
Sam Land
The Badgers will be looking for revenge after getting embarrassed by the Wolverines at the Big House last season, but it won’t come easy: Jim Harbaugh’s squad is being dubbed by many pundits as the Big Ten title favorite and a legit College Football Playoff contender. However, I’m still expecting this year’s matchup in the friendly confines of Camp Randall to be much more competitive than the debacle we witnessed last fall.
It’s true that Michigan should have a dynamic offensive attack with the return of a solid, dual-threat signal-caller in Shea Patterson, as well an outstanding receiving corps. However, I’m expecting some big-time progression from Wisconsin’s defensive backs this season, and I think we’ll see those guys hold the Wolverines in check down the field for the most part.
However, the biggest key to the game will be how well Wisconsin can move the ball down the field against a Michigan run defense that loses some stars from the unit that gave the Badgers fits last year. The Wolverines still have talent, but the offensive line should be able to pave some bigger holes for Jonathan Taylor this time around.
It’ll go down to the final minutes, but I like the Badgers to score the upset at home.
Wisconsin 24 – Michigan 21
Christian Borman
The first real test for Wisconsin will come early. Expectations are high for this Michigan team again. They lose a lot on defense, including two of their top pass rushers in Rashan Gary and Chase Winovich, but with Michigan’s depth, they will have suitable replacements.
Michigan also has an experienced offensive line, three of the five are seniors, and the other two are juniors. Leading the offense is Shea Patterson, who many have high expectations for with a great wide receiver in Donovan Peoples-Jones.
This will be one of the toughest opponents in an already difficult schedule for the Badgers. It will help to be home, but in the end, I think Michigan has too much depth and experience and will come away from a close game with a win.
Wisconsin 21- Michigan 24