Let's get crazy and put together a scenario in which Wisconsin does the insane thing and actually topples Alabama. There is absolutely no one outside of Badger Nation who believes this could happen. And there are many Wisconsin fans who don't think they have a snowball's chance in hell either. However, there is a scenario in which Wisconsin football upsets Alabama. Currently, the Badgers are 21.5 underdogs.
In 2024, Florida State had two wins and knocked off Bama in week one. There's a chance, but it's going to take a lot. It might honestly take all FIVE of the things below to make it happen, and not just a combo of two or three, but it can happen. Here's the hopeful article of the day.
1. Run Defense
Wisconsin's run defense this season has gotten dramatically better. Last season, they played two weak opponents to start the year, Western Michigan and South Dakota. Those two teams ran on them for 120 yards and 123 yards, respectively. Then Alabama rolled into Madison and dropped 181 on the ground.
This season, Wisconsin actually played two stronger opponents than Western Michigan and South Dakota, and yet held them to fewer yards. Against Miami (OH) the run defense only allowed 34 yards against Middle Tennesse it was 33 yards. In two games, they've only allowed 67 yards rushing. Last season at this point, it was 243. That's a huge defense.
Which leads us into reason No. 2.
2. Ty Simpson forced to throw and make decisions
If the rushing attack isn't working the way that Kalen DeBoer wants it to work, he will pivot and have quarterback Ty Simpson start throwing the ball around. Alabama had 27 carries for 87 yards against Florida State, and Simpson needed to start making things happen. He wasn't bad, but he was offline a lot, missing 20 of his 43 passing attempts with a fumble loss.
The new and improved Wisconsin pass rush better be making Simpson sweat. Mason Reiger will have to match up against future first-round pick Kadyn Proctor, which will be difficult, but may give more room for players like Sebastian Cheeks.
This will be a good test of Wisconsin's new pass rush.
3. Jeff Grimes' play-calling and game scheme
You don't think that Jeff Grimes is working his tail off this week to prove he can best Alabama? He showed against Middle Tennessee that he has the ability to adapt to how the Wisconsin offense is playing. He's been studying film, and he's been preparing quarterback Danny O'Neil all week.
The play-calling and game scheme against Alabama last year was so bad that it was embarrassing. Granted, Wisconsin had to pivot to a backup during the game, but still, it was ugly. There was no way the Badgers were winning with Tyler Van Dyke, either, with that game plan.
4. Wisconsin needs some turnovers
Wisconsin has to win the turnover battle. One of the best ways for a David to beat a Goliath is through turnovers. Suppose Wisconsin can generate a good amount of turnovers, say three or four, and limit the Badgers' turnovers to one or fewer. It's a good chance that Wisconsin is in the driver's seat.
5. All the pressure is on Alabama: Wisconsin has nothing to lose
We wrote a whole article about how Alabama has everything to lose in this game and Wisconsin has nothing to lose. No one thinks Wisconsin will win this, so play like your hair is on fire. Fly around and make plays. The pressure is all on Alabama in this one. Read that article here; it explains clearly why this matters on Saturday.