Wisconsin Football: 3 reasons Badgers are in good College Football Playoff shape
2. Wisconsin’s schedule is improving
With the newest edition of the CFP rankings, the Badgers gained something they have not had all year: a ranked opponent. Following the win over Ohio State last week, the Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3) jumped to No. 20 in the polls, causing a top 20 matchup in Madison this week.
Also new to the rankings is the Northwestern Wildcats, coming in at No. 25. The Badgers took down the Wildcats in the Big Ten opener at home by a score of 33-24 and now have another solid win on their resume.
The Big Ten West division, who has been getting torched by analysts all year now have the same amount of teams in the top 25 as the East division has. Understandably, No. 20 and No. 25 do not measure up to No. 12 through 14, but the West (Iowa and Northwestern) also hold wins over the two first place teams in the East (Ohio State and Michigan State).
David Pollack just gave Alabama credit for beating LSU and #Wisconsin no credit for beating Northwestern. LSU is ranked 24th, Northwestern is ranked 25th. Huh?
— Tom Oates (@TomOatesWSJ) November 8, 2017
Due to these events, Wisconsin’s strength of schedule and record is beginning to look stronger every week, especially if they can knock off the Hawkeyes that just obliterated the Buckeyes.
Wisconsin could very well face three ranked teams in their final four and should they win those, would be a huge boost to the strength of schedule argument.