Michigan Football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2018

Wisconsin finished the 2017 season with a 13-1 record with the only loss coming in the Big Ten title game against Ohio State. The Badgers were just one victory away from reaching their first-ever College Football Playoff and 2018 could be the year they finally do it.

However, they’ll have to travel to Ann Arbor for a big road game in the middle of their schedule. Even with a loss to the Wolverines they could be Big Ten West champs as well as contenders for the playoff. They’ll need to plan for that scenario as Michigan isn’t going to drop a second straight contest to the Badgers after the 2017 defeat.

Alex Hornibrook still hasn’t proven himself as a strong passer in the Big Ten and will be set back a couple of paces with a poor game against the Wolverines. He’ll throw two crucial interceptions, including one late in the fourth quarter to seal the game with the Badgers driving.

Shea Patterson is going to struggle a bit against Wisconsin’s elite defense and it’ll be up to the Wolverines’ run game and special teams to get the job done.

Final Score: Wisconsin 20, Michigan 27 (6-1, 4-0 Big Ten)