Wisconsin Badgers Fearless Forecast

Camp Randall Stadium  10/31/2015  dwm photo

In the history of Wisconsin Football, it's hard to imagine the expectations any higher.

Last year they were 13 - 1, finishing with a victory over the Miami Hurricanes at home in the Orange Bowl.  Their only loss was by six in the B1G Championship game.

Long-time fans worry over expectations because it feels like Badger teams surprise when little is expected and falter when hopes are high.

However, as Paul Chryst continues the winning football tradition begun by Barry Alvarez 25 years ago high expectations are in order.

10/31/2015 (dwm)

The offense is as good or better than any Badger team.  Ever.  The defense lost significant talent, but the young players are promising and the coaching staff has proved they can coach 'em up fast.

National publications, like Sports Illustrated, pick Wisconsin to qualify for the four-team National Playoff.

High hopes, indeed!

Game by game forecast

In the three non-conference games to open the season, BYU is most likely to pose a problem, but Wisconsin should enter the conference 3 - 0.

@ Iowa       Wisconsin has done well against the arch-rivals, but this will be close.   W

Nebraska     Coach Alvarez played at Nebraska.  Maybe he kept the playbook.         W

@ Michigan  This game will get a lot of national attention.  Wisconsin shines.         W

Illinois         The Illini are re-building.  Close early, then Badgers run away.              W 

@ Northwestern   The Wildcats are tenacious.  The closest game so far.                    W

Rutgers        A trap game in a tough stretch.  We will see how Bucky responds.        W

@ Penn State  The toughest game is in Happy Valley.  Badgers smile.                       W

@ Purdue    The Boilermakers are improving fast, but Wisconsin proves itself.         W

Minnesota   Badgers have won 14 straight, I think it continues in a close one.           W

The forecast predicts a 12 - 0 Wisconsin team returning to Indianapolis for the title game against the East Division winner and likely inclusion in football's national semi-finals.  That will be fun!

Go Badgers!