Wisconsin’s Week 2 opponent ranked near top of 2024 FCS preseason coaches poll

The Wisconsin Badgers are guaranteed to make headlines during nonconference play to start the 2024 season.

The first two weeks of the season are winnable games against Western Michigan and South Dakota. Week 3, then, sees No. 5 Alabama visit Madison. Either Wisconsin pulls a season-defining upset, or the Kalen DeBoer era at Alabama starts with a signature win.

Related: Wisconsin has terrific history when entering football season unranked in AP Poll

That gigantic Week 3 contest will make the first two weeks feel almost procedural, at least before gameday itself. That should not be the case inside the building, especially given the program’s necessary improvements after 2023’s 7-6 finish.

Here is a bit of evidence that should add some stakes to the second week: South Dakota enters the 2024 season ranked No. 5 in the FCS coaches poll.

The team slots behind only No. 1 South Dakota State, No. 2 North Dakota State, No. 3 Montana and No. 4 Montana State.

FCS preseason coaches poll: pic.twitter.com/CuI1ABYscz

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) August 12, 2024

South Dakota went 10-3 in 2023 with the only losses coming against Missouri (SEC), and top-ranked South Dakota State and North Dakota State. The Jackrabbits enter 2024 with expectations of building on that record and joining the upper tier of the FCS.

While the FCS level is typically far below the Big Ten and SEC, South Dakota may present a tougher test than Western Michigan. Either way, Wisconsin must enter Week 3 with a 2-0 record after decisive victories.