The Wisconsin Badgers are finally looking to kickstart things under head coach Luke Fickell, who will soon be entering his fourth full season with the program.
While things aren’t completely dire, if the Badgers show another year of regression under the former Cincinnati coach, then his reign may come to an end.
However, all of that can change with a strong 2026 season. Overall, the Badgers have a workable schedule that sees them missing out on playing against Oregon, Michigan, Ohio State, or Indiana. All they have to do is start things right against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who come into the season ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll and No. 5 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.
Today’s task is to look at the three reasons why this upset is on the cards
No. 1: Notre Dame’s paltry record in the early season
The Irish struggle to close out games prior to October, with their only two losses last season occurring before September 14, and who could forget their shock loss to the Northern Illinois Huskies the season prior. It’s not quite known why the first few weeks of the season generate a slow start, but it is clear that if there is a time to face them, it's sooner rather than later.
No. 2: Abu Sama III and Colton Joseph start on fire
It has been a long time since a Wisconsin backfield has looked as promising as it does with Sama and Joseph. During his time in the Big 12, Sama compiled four games where he rushed for over 100 yards. Joseph leaves Old Dominion with nine games of at least 250 passing yards and four games of at least 100 rushing yards in his career, so it's clear these two can single-handedly take games by the scruff of the neck if the Irish aren’t careful.
No. 3: Wisconsin’s defense rises to the test
It is easy to remember all of the faults last year’s offense compiled, but it is harder to remember that despite facing seven teams ranked inside the AP Top 25, the Badgers only allowed 323.6 yards per game, good enough for 23rd-best in the country. With transfers like safety Marvin Burks Jr. and the Irish’s ability to start off slow, the Badgers’ defense could find ways to break the game open.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Three reasons Wisconsin shocks the world vs. Notre Dame in Week 1
