In less than six weeks, Wisconsin football will begin its 2024 season. The Badgers will open the year with a matchup against Western Michigan on Aug. 30 at Camp Randall Stadium. The Badgers will play 12 games like they do every year. However, with the expansion of the Big Ten, they will play Oregon and USC as conference games. It will be a four-part series with three opponents. Here is Part 1.
Wisconsin Football Schedule Preview: Week 1 – Western Michigan
The start of Year 2 under coach Luke Fickell begins under the lights with the first game against Western Michigan starting at 8:00 PM on FS1.
The Broncos went 4-8 in 2023 and missed the playoffs. Some of their best offensive players will return. Hayden Wolff is expected to be the starter after leading the team with 1,505 passing yards last season. He wasn’t the only quarterback to throw for at least 700 yards.
On the ground, look for Jalen Buckley to be the primary ball carrier. He led the team with 1,003 yards. No other player had more than 405. Buckley could be the ringer in the first game. Kenneth Womack returns after leading the team with 691 yards and a touchdown. Tackle Anthony Sambucci led the team with five receiving touchdowns for 318 yards in 2023.
Wisconsin should easily beat Western Michigan and open the season with a 1-0 record.
Week 2: South Dakota
This could be a potential pitfall for Wisconsin football in Week 2. The Badgers will face the Coyotes again on September 7th at 2:30 PM on FS1. South Dakota is an FCS team and made it to the second round of the FCS playoffs last year. They finished the year 10-3.
Like Western Michigan, the Coyotes return their starting quarterback, top playmaker and top receiver from last year. Quarterback Aiden Bouman threw for more than 2,500 yards and 15 touchdowns as a freshman. Running back Travis Theis was the primary playmaker last year with 177 carries for 844 yards and six touchdowns. At 5’11 and 210 pounds, he could be a liability for Wisconsin football’s defense. Carter Bell leads the receiver room with 896 yards and five touchdowns on 51 receptions. Wide receiver JJ Galbreath had 579 yards and five scores.
I don’t think Wisconsin football will lose to an FCS team, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a close game in the fourth quarter. It should be a good test.
Week 3: Alabama
A game many Wisconsin football fans have been waiting years to see. The Crimson Tide comes to Madison on September 14th for the FOX Big Noon Kickoff at 11 a.m. (like most, I hate early starts).
Nick Saban is leaving after retiring. The Crimson Tide hired former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer after he led the Huskies to the College Football Playoff National Championship game last year.
As in most years, Alabama loses a ton of players in the NFL Draft. However, they bring back quarterback Jalen Milroe. This early in the season and in DeBoer’s first real road game, I think Milroe plays a huge role.
Not much production outside of Milroe’s return, but this roster is loaded with NFL talent. Some players who didn’t have to last year will get on the field. I think Wisconsin football will keep this game close, but I think Alabama will win this game in the fourth quarter.
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