After kicking off my 2024 Wisconsin football schedule preview yesterday, today I’m moving on to the next three opponents. I currently have the Badgers at 2-1, with wins over Western Michigan and South Dakota and a loss to Alabama. The next three opponents are USC, at home against Purdue and Rutgers. Here’s how I see those three games going.
Wisconsin Football Schedule Preview: Sept. 28 at USC
After a week off following their game against Alabama, the Wisconsin football team heads to Southern California. The Badgers and Trojans haven’t played each other since the 2015 Holiday Bowl. The Wisconsin football team won that game 23-21.
Like most blue bloods, USC is losing a ton of talent from last season. The most notable departure is Caleb Williams, the best quarterback in college football last year. Miller Moss should be the starter. Moss has 681 yards and seven touchdowns passing. It’s not Williams, but Moss looks like a solid quarterback in college football.
The Trojans lost their top two running backs and top two receivers from last year to the NFL. There’s no doubt there’s a ton of talent on this roster, but I think this is a game the Badgers will steal on the road. I doubt they’ll be favorites, but if there’s a road game to steal, this might be it.
Purdue: October 5
After a tough road test, the Wisconsin football team returns home to face Purdue. The Badgers defeated the Boilermakers in West Lafayette last year, 38-17. It was a good comeback for Purdue, but the game never seemed so close.
Purdue is still rebuilding under second-year coach Ryan Walters. After going 4-8 in 2023, quarterback Hudson Card and running back Devin Mockobee are back. I like Mockobee as a running back, but Card will have to be a difference-maker in this game. I’m not sure he can. Purdue also lost its top two receivers from last year to the transfer portal. I don’t think the Badgers will have a problem with this game.
At Rutgers: October 12
For years, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights were the worst team in the Big Ten and one of the worst teams in the FBS. With Greg Schiano back, Rutgers turned the program around and even won a bowl game last season. It won’t be a cakewalk for Wisconsin football.
The Badgers won’t see Gavin Wimsatt at quarterback, but they will see a familiar face. Former Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis is expected to be the Scarlet Knights’ starter. Running back Kyle Monangai returns after rushing for nearly 1,300 yards. He’s a substantial back, listed at 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds.
The biggest question mark for Rutgers’ offense is the passing game. Kaliakmanis is in his fourth year now and doesn’t seem like he’ll take the next step. This could be a low-scoring game where losing the ball will make the difference. I think Wisconsin’s football offense will be better this year and should score enough points to win this game.
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