ESPN predicts Wisconsin to bounce back vs. Western Illinois in Week 2

After a difficult season opener against Notre Dame, the Wisconsin Badgers are expected to have a much easier time in Week 2. The Badgers will return home to face Western Illinois, an FCS opponent, and ESPN's Bill Connelly is predicting a convincing Wisconsin win. Connelly's model gives the Badgers a

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After a difficult season opener against Notre Dame, the Wisconsin Badgers are expected to have a much easier time in Week 2.

The Badgers will return home to face Western Illinois, an FCS opponent, and ESPN's Bill Connelly is predicting a convincing Wisconsin win.

Connelly's model gives the Badgers a 37.5-point projected margin, with a predicted final score of 44-7.

Wisconsin lost 41-13 to Notre Dame in Week 1, but the Badgers were still able to show quite a few encouraging signs before the game got away from them in the second half.

The Western Illinois matchup should give the team an opportunity to build on those positives, particularly on offense.

Meanwhile, the defense should also be looking for a strong performance after playing well in stretches

against the Fighting Irish.

A 44-7 win would give Wisconsin the kind of bounce-back win that could set the season up on the right track. While ESPN's prediction is a bit ambitious, Wisconsin should have a significant advantage in Week 2.

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: ESPN predicts Wisconsin to bounce back vs. Western Illinois in Week 2