Next season, the Wisconsin Badgers are going to be fortunate enough to be playing what ESPN considers the nation’s 37th-hardest schedule.
For context, that ranks as the Big Ten’s third-easiest schedule, ahead of only Penn State (59th) and Rutgers (39th).
Obviously, that's a huge improvement from last season, when they had the toughest schedule in the nation.
However, despite what could be considered a slightly easier schedule,ESPN’s SP+ only projects a win total of 5.4.
If these numbers come true, it will continue Wisconsin’s bowl-less streak to three seasons running, possibly closing the door on head coach Luke Fickell, who so far has tallied a 17-21 record with the Big Ten side.
Despite starting with a 7-6 mark in 2023, Fickell has put together
records of 5-7 and 4-8 over the subsequent two seasons.
Earlier this week, the first AP poll of the season was released, listing the Badgers to face four ranked teams: No. 4 Notre Dame (September 6), No. 18 Penn State (September 26), No. 14 USC (October 24) and No. 22 Iowa (October 31).
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: ESPN's SP+ gives Wisconsin football desolate win total projection
