Wisconsin got back in the win column Saturday with a 35-14 triumph over Georgia Southern.
Adding to the win total might be the biggest positive from the contest, as the Badgers struggled on both sides of the football for three quarters against one of the worst teams in the country.
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Yes, Mike Tressel’s defense forced six turnovers. But Eagles QB Davis Brin still threw for 383 yards as Georgia Southern tallied 455 total yards on offense. That’s concerning.
Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 3: Wisconsin rises after ugly win
What may be more of a concern are Wisconsin’s clear growing pains on the offensive side of the ball. Georgia Southern entered Saturday with one of SP+’s worst defenses in the country, yet the Badgers waited until the third quarter to finally capitalize on Georgia Southern’s mistakes.
Wisconsin has a lot to clean up on both sides of the football. It will need to do so if the Big Ten West is still considered a possibility.
For that outlook, here is what ESPN FPI predicts for every remaining game on the schedule:
Matchup predictor: 63.4% Wisconsin wins. (up from 60.9%)
Date: Sept. 22 (Friday)
Purdue FPI Rank: No. 60
Purdue’s 2023 record: 1-2
Matchup predictor: 69.1% Wisconsin wins (down from 72.3%)
Date: Oct. 7
Rutgers FPI Rank: No. 46
Rutgers’ 2023 record: 3-0
Matchup predictor: 53.7% Wisconsin wins (same as last week)
Date: Oct. 14
Iowa FPI Rank: No. 33
Iowa’s 2023 record: 3-0
Matchup predictor: 58.4% Wisconsin wins (up from 57%)
Date: Oct. 21
Illinois FPI Rank: No. 52
Illinois’ 2023 record: 1-2
Matchup predictor: 11.3% Wisconsin wins (down from 13.8%)
Date: Oct. 28
Ohio State FPI Rank: No. 1
Ohio State’s 2023 record: 3-0
Matchup predictor: 64.1% Wisconsin wins (down from 64.3%)
Date: Nov. 4
Indiana FPI Rank: No. 66
Indiana’s 2023 record: 1-2
Matchup predictor: 77.5% Wisconsin wins (up from 73.9%)
Date: Nov. 11
Northwestern FPI Rank: No. 71
Northwestern’s 2023 record: 1-2
Matchup predictor: 75.7% Wisconsin wins (down from 78%)
Date: Nov. 18
Nebraska FPI Rank: No. 68
Nebraska’s 2023 record: 1-2
Matchup predictor: 56.5% Wisconsin wins (up from 53.6%)
Date: Nov. 25
Minnesota FPI Rank: No. 47
Minnesota 2023 record: 2-1
FPI Rank: 34
Projected W-L: 7.3-5.0
% Chance…
- Wisconsin wins out: 0.1
- Six or more wins: 86.8
- Win Big Ten West: 32.1
- Win Big Ten: 4.4
- Makes College Football Playoff: 0.1
- Win National Title: 0.0