This coming Saturday is a big game for Wisconsin football. The Badgers are licking their chops after watching a lackluster effort from Alabama against Florida State and hoping they can do the impossible. Knock off the Crimson Tide and roll into Big Ten play at 3-0 with a ranked win under their belts. For many pundits, it seems extremely unlikely, and the ESPN matchup predictor would agree.
Right now, a few days before the game, Wisconsin has an 11.1% chance to win the game against Alabama according to ESPN analytics. That's basically ESPN's way of saying there's little to no shot the Badgers can pull off the upset.
This model would agree with the prevalent voices around the nation about the doubts for Luke Fickell's redesigned Badgers. Vegas has the Badgers as 21.5 underdogs, pundits are saying it's not going to happen, and even Alabama experts who watched the crappy effort in week one from their team are also saying, "No way!"
Wisconsin can knock of the Crimson Tide but they are the severe underdogs with their backs against the wall
Related: Everything to know before Wisconsin vs. Alabama: How to watch and important updates
There is some optimism around Badger Nation because this team does look different. The rushing yards allowed through two games are vastly different. The offensive scheme is so much better with Jeff Grimes at the helm. There's even some faith in the backup quarterback, which Wisconsin fans haven't had in years.
Could they pull off the upset against the Crimson Tide? It really would take a lot, as the talent gap is there, and Wisconsin doesn't get to be the surprise team that points out Bama's flaws. That was already done. Therefore, Alabama will come in hot and hungry. They know they can't allow another loss in the non-conference.
They also have a nice, well-placed bye-week after this game, so they can't even look ahead. Wisconsin will need it all, and they will need to come out swinging and play with their hair on fire. Can' waltz their way through this one.