Week 7 vs. Indiana
The was supposed to be the opening opponent for the Badgers. Now that the schedule has been redone twice, they still managed to get Indiana on it, which I think is good for the Badgers. Indiana is becoming an improved program. Last season, they went 8-5 and went to a bowl game for the first time in a long time.
They will be led by Michael Pennix Jr., who will replace Peyton Ramsey after he transferred to Northwestern. Pennix Jr. played six games as a freshman and threw for almost 1,400 yards and ten touchdowns. He also ran for 119 yards and a pair of scores. He looks like he could be a really good player for the Hoosiers.
Ultimately, I think this Wisconsin football team is still a much better team. Playing the Hoosiers at home is a big advantage for the Badgers.
The Pick: Wisconsin
Record: 7-0
Week 8 at Iowa
I think this is definitely a game that could decide who wins the division. I think both Wisconsin and Iowa have similar schedules. Neither teams have to face Ohio St., but Iowa does have to go to Penn St., while Wisconsin has to go to Michigan.
An advantage in the schedule I think Wisconsin has over Iowa’s schedule is that the Hawkeyes have to go to Minnesota, while the Badgers will host the Gophers. I think that could be huge for Wisconsin. If the Hawkeyes lose to Penn St. and Minnesota, this matchup won’t be as important as far as how the division is decided. However, if Iowa enters this game 6-1 and Wisconsin is 7-0, the Badgers would still need a win to take the West because Iowa would then hold the tiebreaker.
Going to Iowa City is never easy, but in 2018, Wisconsin went to Iowa and won 28-17, so it is definitely possible. I could see this game being switched to a night game, which will definitely favor Iowa. If the Badgers are to lose a game this season, I think this is it.
The biggest advantage Wisconsin will have is that Iowa will be starting a new quarterback this year. Redshirt sophomore Spencer Petras is figured to be next in line. Last season, he completed 6-of-10 passes for 25 yards. He also had a carry for one yard and a touchdown. Having a first-year starter in December against a usually stout Wisconsin defense could be trouble for Iowa.
Because of that, I think Wisconsin will be able to sneak out of Iowa with a win this year and wrap up an undefeated regular season. I think this is a very good team that caught a break with the schedule this year, but you can only play who is in front of you.