Wisconsin Has Three Chances Left to Keep a 22-Year Bowl Streak Alive
The Badgers will look to regroup this weekend on their bye week after suffering a brutal loss at Iowa. With back-to-back losses and just five wins for the year so far, Wisconsin is running out of chances to become bowl eligible, a target the school hasn't missed in over 22 years. So who is left to play for Badgers, and is there a real chance they snap a two decade long streak?
To become bowl eligible, teams must have at least six wins, and a minimum of a .500 win percentage. At 5-4 with just three games remaining, Wisconsin is quickly running out of opportunities to hit those marks. It would be a devastating blow to the school, and coach Luke Fickell's outlook if the Badgers fail to make a bowl game. Let's break down their remaining games.
Next week Wisconsin will take on No. 1 ranked Oregon. Barring one of the biggest upsets in school history, the Badgers will most likely lose, dropping their record on the season to 5-5 and Fickell's record against ranked teams to 0-6. However, if they pull of a miracle, the team will hit the all-important six win mark and become bowl eligible. Still, it feels like this game will be too big of a mountain to overcome.
After Oregon, Wisconsin will travel to Nebraska, and probably their best chance at getting that sixth win. The Cornhuskers started the season out strong, but have since dropped to 5-4 and 2-4 in conference play. Despite it being an away game, this contest provides the Badgers with the best chance of winning in their final three games.
Finally, Wisconsin will host Minnesota in a battle for Paul Bunyan's axe. Minnesota has come on strong, winning their last four games on their way to a 6-3 record. As always, this will be a hard fought batte, but the Gophers just seem like the better team at this point in time. If the Badgers lose to Oregon and Nebraska, this will be their final chance to reach six wins and become bowl eligible. Talk about pressure...