Wisconsin football is on a steep rise after three consecutive decisive victories.
The team has improved to 5-2 (3-1 Big Ten) during a stretch in which the Badgers outscored opponents, 117-16. The team’s metrics have improved significantly. It is 25th in ESPN FPI and 20th in SP+.
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The computer metrics aren’t the only thing impressed by the Badgers’ recent form. CBS Sports’ latest re-ranking of all 134 teams elevated the Badgers another 12 spots, to No. 34 in the nation.
The moves follow Wisconsin’s 23-3 win at Northwestern. It continues the team’s upward trajectory, though it remains behind Big Ten foes Nebraska (No. 31), Illinois (No. 21), Indiana (No. 7), Penn State (No. 3), Ohio State (No. 2) and Oregon (No. 1).
Wisconsin has upcoming games against Penn State, Iowa (No. 40), Nebraska, Oregon and Minnesota (No. 47). A continuation of form should see a continued rise in CBS’ rankings, especially if that form leads to an upset victory over top-ranked Penn State on Saturday.
The Badgers and Nittany Lions will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC and streaming on Peacock. It profiles as arguably the biggest game of the Luke Fickell era to date.
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