Three Wisconsin Games We're Really Looking Forward to in 2024

Wisconsin will face an incredibly tough schedule in 2024 and after a humdrum 7-6 season last year, Luke Fickell will be under some pressure to improve. There are a few games this year that I think will define the season, and win or lose, will be incredible games to watch.

1. Alabama

It's a fairly obvious pick, but this will be one of the biggest games to be held at Camp Randall this year. It's a Big Noon Kickoff game on Fox (fortunately or unfortunately), so the atmosphere will be electric once the stadium is full. I'm a little bummed that Nick Saban won't be patrolling the sidelines in this one, but the Tide still bring an excitement that few other teams in college football can.

If the Badgers lose it won't be a huge deal, it's what everyone expects anyway. But if they win to go presumably 3-0, this team will be ranked in the top 20 in the country guaranteed and will have enormous hype heading into my next most intriguing matchup.

2. USC

The Badgers will have to fly all the way to Los Angeles for their first ever Big Ten matchup against the Trojans. They're a team that certainly has a lot of firepower and could be another ranked opponent for the Badgers to face in back-to-back games.

It seems odd, but I think these two teams could develop somewhat of a rivalry in the Big Ten. They're both in that 'close but no cigar' type of team group that is consistently good, but not elite. Over the last five seasons, the Badgers have a record of 37-23 and the Trojans are 36-22. Plus USC is the new kid on the block, they'll have to pick a fight with someone here in this first season, might as well be the Badgers.

3. Penn State

I've said it before but I think Penn State under achieves this year. They've gotten some playoff hype, but I really just don't really see it. This is a game the Badgers can steal and add another quality win to their belt against a team that most in the country consider to be elite.

I know Oregon is the 'bigger' matchup, but I don't see Bucky pulling that one out against the Ducks. This Penn State game is also at home and a real chance to prove the Badgers were underrated this preseason.