Final score predictions ahead of Wisconsin's rubber match against Penn State

The Wisconsin Badgers have their first test in conference play on the horizon this weekend, heading out east to Happy Valley and taking on the Penn State Nittany Lions. Wisconsin will enter the game as a flat 10-point underdog — a line that has fluctuated quite a bit — but also may not be completely indicative of the game ahead.

The Badgers have had a bit of a rocky start to the 2026 season — particularly their first two games — where they struggled to find an identity on the offensive end. That said, a switch flipped against Eastern Michigan, resulting in an onslaught that even the biggest of Wisconsin fans likely didn't see coming.

Quarterback Colton Joseph found his rhythm, passing for 362 yards and three touchdowns, even adding another score on the ground. Wide receiver Tyrell Henry had one of the better games from a pass catcher in Badger history, notching 14 grabs for 160 yards and a score of his own.

Most importantly, the defense dominated, snagging two interceptions and forcing a couple of fumbles — one of which resulted in a scoop-and-score. Even the special teams got in, blocking yet another punt and a kick, which was also recovered and scored.

Now, looking ahead to Penn State, Wisconsin has a real challenge on its hands, but not an improbable one.

Reasons for Optimism

The Nittany Lions are, of course, expected to win, as being the No. 13-ranked team in the country playing an unranked team at home naturally creates that “must-win” environment. That said, the cards have fallen against their favor a bit, with star receiver Koby Howard being ruled out ahead of the game.

On top of that, the Badgers have found themselves a clean bill of health, with running back Abu Sama III and receiver Malachi Coleman both set to return to action in the marquee matchup. Sama, the team's leading rusher, was banged up for the majority of the Western Illinois matchup and missed the entirety of the Eastern Michigan game.

Coleman, too, got hurt very early in the Western Illinois game, meaning he, too, hasn't seen the field in quite some time. Getting both back will undoubtedly give Wisconsin a much-needed offensive boost, possibly being the missing ingredient for an upset win.

The game will still come down to the performance of Wisconsin, particularly its defense, as slowing down Rocco Becht and co. is no easy task. On top of that, the Badgers will also need the Joseph who showed up last week against Eastern Michigan to once again return if they want any chance of pulling out the victory.

Win, lose, or draw, the thing Wisconsin fans want most is a fight — proof that this team has, in fact, taken strides forward. Whether they do so or not is up to the future to decide, but there is no doubt that this is, in fact, a winnable game.

Final prediction: Wisconsin 20, Penn State 17

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