The Wisconsin Badgers have their first home game of the season this weekend against FCS foe Western Illinois. After wearing down Notre Dame and watching a promising game turn into a frustrating one, the Badgers need and are looking for a rebound. Going up against Western Illinois this week will be helpful. Get some sea legs.
Against Notre Dame, every mistake was magnified; FCS opponents allow you to learn from mistakes without it costing the whole game. This will be a good game for the Badges and one in which fans will walk away feeling encouraged. Below are four bold predictions for the upcoming game. Remember, this isn't "safe" predictions but "bold." In other words, they have a low probability of happening, but very well could.
1. True Freshman Kash Brock has over 50 yards in receiving
Kash Brock was impressive in Fall Camp, but he didn't appear as a receiver in the opening game against Notre Dame. However, this week there will be a chance for him to come in with the No. 2 offense and get some reps. The first bold prediction is that Brock has a great game in the second half, recording over 50 yards in receiving.
2. Abu Sama III explodes for a 40+ yard run
Sama is going to bust one, and it's going to be early. It could even be on the first drive of the game; he's going to hit a hole and take it to the house. His elite speed and vision will allow him to really shine against Western Illinois. Predicting Sama to have a touchdown isn't bold enough, so let's say it's a 40-yard touchdown run.
Sama had 15 carries for 49 yards against Notre Dame, with a 3.3 yards-per-carry average. Not bad against a team that's considered the top defense in college. However, we need more, and Western Illinois will showcase that MORE.
3. Wisconsin scores a non-offensive touchdown
The Badgers will get at least one touchdown in this game that comes from either the defense or special teams. A strip-sack and fumble recovery is a good option; a better one is probably a pick-six. Though don't rule out a punt or kick return touchdown.
The Badgers had a great game on special teams against Notre Dame, and now, against an FCS foe, we may see something truly electrifying. Let's get bold and say that the Badgers have at least one touchdown not from the offense.
4. The Badgers pitch a shutout
Yes, it's an FCS opponent, but do you know how hard it is to not allow a team to get any points? It's extremely hard, and something you rarely see in college football, regardless of the opponent. There are just so many ways a team can find a way to get in field goal range and boot a 40+ yard 3-pointer. Even No. 1 Ohio State allowed Ball State to get three points against them in Week 1. Tennessee State also got a field goal against No. 3 Georgia. Alabama allowed ECU to score 10.
So this is a bold prediction to say that Wisconsin won't allow any points to be scored. Especially considering this is a game where the No. 2 units will get some run late in the second half. But it's a bold prediction for a reason.
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