Wisconsin football’s second game day is finally here, with the Badgers and Michigan Wolverines facing off in prime time on ABC.
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Our team at BadgersWire got together to predict how tonight shakes out, and all of us foresee good news for Wisconsin:
Ben: The Badgers enter the contest with question marks surrounding who will take the field and how conditioned the team will be. Nevertheless, mainly because I believe Graham Mertz will start, I think Wisconsin enters with a clear advantage. Michigan has been inconsistent on both sides of the football, their secondary and offensive line have struggled and Jim Harbaugh is firmly entering the hot seat. It’s worth saying that if Mertz doesn’t play, the Wolverines win the game.
But with Mertz under center the Badgers are the most consistent team, still have a Big Ten Championship to play for and win the game.
Wisconsin: 27 Michigan: 20
Asher: Wisconsin has the clear advantage on the defensive side of the football. Expect Jim Leonhard’s defensive front to win the battle in the trenches with Michigan’s offensive line. As Ben noted, QB Graham Mertz holds the keys to the car for Wisconsin’s offense, but all signs point to him being able to take the field.
The Badgers can take advantage of a weak Michigan secondary and a Don Brown defense that has been burned in man coverage over the past couple of weeks.
Joe Milton and Michigan’s offense have the playmakers to stay in the football game. In the end, Wisconsin wins a close one after a game sealing defensive stop.
Wisconsin: 24 Michigan: 21
Wade:
Joe Milton and Michigan’s offense have faltered early on in the season, dropping two straight to Michigan State and 10th-ranked Indiana. Wisconsin could be pretty limited as well, which is why this game could be very different than usual. Despite being limited and not playing for over two weeks, Wisconsin has the tools to beat this Michigan team.
The keys for Wisconsin will be getting consistent pressure on Joe Milton, and holding on to the football on offense. I think the Badgers ultimately beat the Wolverines on the road with a dominant defensive performance.
Wisconsin: 21 Michigan: 10