August 31 vs Western Michigan
The Badgers should have a no problems with Western Michigan who projects to be a middle-of-the-road team in the MAC.
Prediction: Wisconsin 37 Western Michigan 17
1-0
September 7 vs South Dakota
South Dakota finished 2023 as the number four ranked team in FCS and should up to a similar level again in 2024. Still, there's a wide gap between FCS and FBS play and the Badgers should win handedly.
Prediction: Wisconsin 31 South Dakota 16
2-0
September 14 vs Alabama
Even without Nick Saben, Alabama is still a wagon and will be in the playoffs once again in 2024. The Badgers have a little home field advantage, but with an 11am kickoff don't expect the stands to be too full and rowdy until at least the second quarter. This will be the first real test and I don't see it going well.
Prediction: Wisconsin 20 Alabama 34
2-1
September 28 at USC
The first road game of the season for Wisconsin won't be an easy one. It's a long trip out west against a team who can put up points. The Badgers will be coming off of their bye so this will be a toss up of rest vs rust. I'm unfortunately thinking rust in a barn burner.
Prediction: Wisconsin 34 USC 38
2-2
October 5 vs Purdue
The Badgers head back home to face Purdue and one of the projected worst teams in the Big Ten this year. This should be a nice rebound after two straight losses.
Prediction: Wisconsin 28 Purdue 14
3-2
October 12 at Rutgers
Rutgers won a bowl game last season over Miami and won't be a pushover this year either. This one could go either way but I think the Badgers lose a heartbreaker.
Prediction: Wisconsin 23 Rutgers 24
3-3
October 19 at Northwestern
This is a game the Badgers will be favored and I don't see any reason to doubt that. Most people think the Wildcats overachieved last season and will be towards the bottom of the Big Ten this year. Wisconsin gets back on track at a makeshift field.
Prediction: Wisconsin 27 Northwestern 13
4-3
October 26 vs Penn State
Penn State seems like such a wildcard this year. They could be at the top of the Big Ten competing for a playoff spot or duking it out in the middle just trying to stay above .500. I'll go with the latter and say the Nittany Lions aren't as good as their 10-3 2023 season. Bucky wins in a close one.
Prediction: Wisconsin 24 Penn State 21
5-3
November 2 at Iowa
Iowa has some questions on offense and at quarterback but still figures to be a competitive team. This will be one of the closest games of the year I'm guessing as both teams seem about as even as can be this year.
Prediction: Wisconsin 20 Iowa 19
6-3
November 16 vs Oregon
Oregon could legitimately will the whole thing this year so the Badgers better hope quarterback Dillon Gabriel and company have some serious jet lag. This one just isn't happening.
Prediction: Wisconsin 13 Oregon 30
6-4
November 23 at Nebraska
Nebraska could be a sneaky good Big Ten team this year and might give the Badgers a run for their money. This a game Wisconsin will absolutely need to have to keep the naysayers off their back, but I think they struggle in this one.
Prediction: Wisconsin 23 Nebraska 28
6-5
November 30 vs Minnesota
Minnesota had uncharacteristic issues last year under coach P.J. Fleck and they likely bleed into 2024. I see Wisconsin taking home the axe in this one.
Prediction: Wisconsin 31 Minnesota 21
7-5
Totals
Final record: 7-5
Points per game: 25.9
Points allowed per game: 22.9