Week 2 of the college football season is here, as the Wisconsin Badgers are back at home, facing the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders at Camp Randall Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 3:00 p.m.
Wisconsin had an impressive defensive debut against Miami (OH), shutting out its opponent for the first time since 2022. But, they also dealt with an injury to starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who will miss this weekend’s contest with a lower-body injury.
As a result, sophomore Danny O’Neil is at the
helm after transferring in this offseason from San Diego State. In relief of Edwards, O’Neil completed 12/19 passes last weekend for 120 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Wisconsin is taking on a Middle Tennessee State that had a brutal 34-14 loss to FCS Austin Peay last weekend, as they struggled on both sides of the ball.
With a chance for a blowout here in Week 2, let’s make three predictions ahead of today’s game.
Last Week
Ahead of the season opener, here were my three predictions.
1. Wisconsin will spread the ball out offensively
2. Passing defense will continue to deliver
3. Nathanial Vakos will be tested
Well, the Badgers absolutely spread the ball out offensively. Nine different players saw a target in last week’s game, with eight of them catching passes. Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes looked to show his creativity early, while also making things easier for his quarterback with quick throws.
That also led to seven different players recording a rush, with the Badgers running three backs (Dilin Jones, Darrion Dupree, Cade Yacamelli), a fullback carry (Jackson Acker), quarterback designs and scrambles (Danny O’Neil), and jet sweeps for receivers (Tyrell Henry, Trech Kekahuna).
Wisconsin wants to use all of the weapons in its arsenal, while staying creative offensively.
As for the passing defense, the Badgers held Miami quarterback Daequan Finn to only 83 passing yards, absolutely shutting the game down there. They also collapsed the pocket well, recording three sacks while forcing other uncomfortable situations for Finn.
Nathanial Vakos did get one field goal opportunity, connecting from 42 yards, but the Badgers went away from him on a few occasions. Having a chance for a 54-yard field goal, Wisconsin elected to punt from Miami (OH)’s 37-yard line.
Then, the Badgers bypassed a field goal to go for it on 4th & 3 at the 10-yard line. Danny O’Neil threw an interception on the play, and Wisconsin ultimately ended with zero points, keeping the score at 3-0.
After some questionable decisions last week, we’ll see if Wisconsin will look for more field goals this weekend if the situation presents itself.
But, looking forward to Week 2, here are three predictions for the game.
1. Wisconsin will connect on multiple explosive plays
Last week, the Badgers couldn’t connect on any explosive plays in the air, with both quarterbacks missing on some deep opportunities that were quality shots to take. They also couldn’t get a run of more than 11 yards on the ground, as it was more of a grind-it-out effort there with how aggressive Miami (OH) was up front.
I think those opportunities will be there on Saturday, and Wisconsin will take advantage of some of them.
Middle Tennessee gave up several explosive plays last week, with Austin Peay connecting on passes of 41, 36, and 22 yards. While they weren’t as successful on the ground, getting only one rush above 15+ yards, Wisconsin should have more opportunities there.
2. Wisconsin will get 3+ sacks once again
The Badgers got three sacks last weekend on the mobile Daequan Finn, while pressuring the quarterback several other times.
I think their sack fortunes will continue this weekend against Middle Tennessee, who just gave up five sacks against Austin Peay last weekend.
Wisconsin really struggled to generate sacks in 2024. But, they’re able to get more pressure up front with the combination of Mason Reiger and Sebastian Cheeks on the edge, while keeping guys fresh has seemed to make an impact early on.
3. Wisconsin will force a turnover in two straight weeks
The Badgers also struggled to force turnovers in 2024, recording just 12 total takeaways, which ranked 101st in the nation.
They got off to a good start last week with two interceptions from Preston Zachman. While Middle Tennessee didn’t have a turnover last week, I think the Badgers’ smothering defense will be able to generate one in Week 2.
Middle Tennessee ranked 88th in the country in giveaways per game last season, and Wisconsin has made it a point to be more aggressive on defense in 2025.
