The Wisconsin Badgers had a nice 17-0 win over the Miami (OH) RedHawks last week, and are set up for a blowout opportunity here in Week 2 against Middle Tennessee State.
What’s old is new again, so welcome to my first 2025 installment of Best Case/Worst Case/Most Likely for Fick’s boys.
Best Case
Missing Billy Edwards Jr. impacts all of these a bit, but not as much as some might expect. A 20-point home loss to FCS Austin Peay does not bode well for the Monarchs’ chances at Camp Randall late Saturday
afternoon, and my optimal outcome sees the Badgers steamrolling them from the outset.
If Bucky’s cards align perfectly, the Danny O’Neil-led offense clicks on all cylinders, and Mike Tressel’s defense, which looked so good versus Miami (OH), continues its renaissance on the way to a two-turnover, six-sack mauling. This would be a fantastic outcome and is paired with the squad staying healthy.
Prediction: Wisconsin 48-3.
Worst Case
The scenario would probably feature a significant injury more than a really tight contest, but I won’t even go there and will stick to how the game itself unfolds.
In this dreadful universe, the Badgers start sluggishly on offense and don’t bring the defensive fire like they did in week one. The offensive line is leaky enough on the left side to disrupt the game plan, and Middle Tennessee is able to convert on a turnover and hang around just long enough to make Jump Around a dud.
The Badgers limp away with a mistake-filled 27-13 win that will leave nobody feeling good about their chances in Tuscaloosa next weekend.
Prediction: Wisconsin 27-16.
Most Likely
Here, Wisconsin is in control from start to finish, with its Dilin Jones-led rushing attack largely having its way with Middle Tennessee State on the way to a 200-plus yard afternoon.
Danny O’Neil is solid and mostly mistake-free/upright, the sacks keep coming with four more (see Reiger, Mason), and the Monarchs never quite get their bacon frying.
In contrast to the previous scenario, Jump Around is enjoyable until a few thousand 18-22-year-olds leave immediately after to get a predictable head start on their Saturday night revelry. Good vibes all around heading into Bama Week.
Prediction: Wisconsin 38-10.
