The Wisconsin Badgers needed this big win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights after getting pounded by Iowa last week. It was important not only for momentum going into the final stretch of the season but also to settle on a new quarterback for the Badgers. Luke Fickell also really wanted to see the Badgers return to what got them the first five wins: complementary football and being the most physical team on the field.
That was what happened against Rutgers, and now Wisconsin has momentum going into Maryland, Purdue, and Minnesota. Let's dig into the four thoughts that stick out after this win.
1. Ryan Hopkins just stole Colton Joseph's job
Hopkins was incredible and truly had a zip with his ball. He was making multiple reads, and while he had some freshman moments, all in all, he was much better than anything we've seen from Joseph this season.
Hopkins finished with a line of 18/24 with 241 yards and three touchdowns. He was awesome.
If you wanted to find a negative side (besides some of the balls that he put in harm's way), Hopkins didn't have the same burst in the running game; he's a very capable runner. He also didn't need to. He was making every throw on the field, and his receivers were making him look great. There's no need to go back to Joseph; let him collect his bag of money, and Hopkins is the new QB1.
2. The Badgers defense found it's rhythm in the second half
Wisconsin and Rutgers went head-to-head in the first half in terms of points scored. The Badgers went to the half with a lead of only three points,13-10. Rutgers got the ball to start, and there was frustration among the fanbase that one of the worst teams in the Big Ten was hanging with us.
However, patience was required as the Badgers' defense found their rhythm in the second half. Able to hold Rutgers to those 10 points from the first half. Mason Posa and his defensive unit pitched a shutout in the final two quarters. Making the score look a ton more lopsided, and truly, that's how the game was; Wisconsin had all the juice.
3. Jeff Grimes still struggles to call plays around the goal-line
While the offense looked so much better under Hopkins, I'm still not convinced that Jeff Grimes is that great of a playcaller. His play-calling around the goal line was especially terrible. He continues to try weird nonsense that doesn't work, leaving Wisconsin to settle for field goals.
Badgers fail to punch in a first-and-goal from the 10. Bryan Jackson doesn't get a touch. It's confusing at this point.
— Colten Bartholomew (@CBartWSJ) November 7, 2026
Wisconsin leads 16-10 having failed to score TDs on its past two red-zone drives.
Grimes also feels fairly predictable, and that may end up being a problem. He has two games to figure it out before Minnesota, where he has to have it dialed in, or fans will flip. Well, maybe they already are.
4. Wisconsin now has bowl eligibility for the first time in 2 years
The big news, and not to be lost in the shuffle, is that Wisconsin has six wins for the first time in over two years. The Badgers will be going to a bowl game, but hopefully they don't get stuck at six wins. Luke Fickell is eyeing nine wins and a chance to even compete for a Big Ten championship.
The Badgers are currently third in the Big Ten standings thanks to an Ohio State loss. UCLA is at the top, with Indiana right behind them.
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