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

2 of 13

MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 24: Mike White #14 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers throws the ball prior to the game against the Florida International Golden Panthers on November 24, 2017 at Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

Just the second ever meeting between the two and the first since 2001, the Badgers will open up the 2018 season with a dangerous Group of Five team with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.

Coming off a down year, the Hilltoppers finished 6-7 with a bowl appearance- a loss to Georgia State and a 4-4 record in the severely underrated Conference USA. The Hilltoppers open the season with two games against big opponents in Wisconsin and Louisville with hope to get them ready to compete with Lane Kiffin’s Florida Atlantic squad that ran through the league a year ago.

The Badgers struggled in their 2017 opener at first, mustering a ten point deficit to Utah State at home under the lights. With a lot of personnel back on offense, the leash to keep adjusted to the new season will be shorter and it will be anticipated that the unit comes out where they left off in the Orange Bowl.

A new-look defense may have some growing pains at first, but all in all the Badgers will kick off the 2018 season with a uneventful 1-0 start.

Final Score: Western Kentucky 16, Wisconsin 48 (1-0)

Home/Wisconsin Badgers