After Wisconsin’s disappointing loss to the undefeated Northwestern Wildcats, the Badgers have surprisingly, not fallen in the latest USA TODAY bowl projections. Wisconsin is projected by USA TODAY to play the Auburn Tigers in the Outback Bowl. The Tigers are a change from last week’s projections when the Badgers were projected to play the Ole Miss Rebels in the Outback Bowl.
Auburn may be a familiar team for many Wisconsin fans, as the teams played against each other most recently in the 2015 Outback Bowl under head coach Barry Alvarez where the Badgers won 34-31 in overtime. This was following the resignation of former head coach Gary Andersen after Wisconsin’s 59-0 loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game.
Auburn and Wisconsin have played each other three other times in their history with Wisconsin leading the series at 2-1-1. The first game between the sides happened on Oct. 10, 1931, where they tied 7-7 at Camp Randall.
The College Football Playoff teams remain the same for this week with Notre Dame, Ohio State, Alabama, and Clemson keeping their projections.
Wisconsin could possibly see another Outback Bowl appearance, but it will be interesting to see how the cancellation of Saturday’s game against Minnesota will impact next week’s bowl projections.