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

Fresh off a 9-4 season in 2016, the New Mexico Lobos had just three wins a year ago and are seemingly trying to find the right personnel to make it work again. An early season visit to Madison might not look like the best thing for this squad at the moment, but a chance to play against a much more formidable opponent might give them a wake-up call in light of conference play beginning as the team looks to return to a bowl game again.

There is no connection between the two programs as 2018’s matchup will be the first ever meeting between the two schools. One small interesting note to keep in mind is the fact that local running back Lawrence Johnson will be returning home to Madison in just his second collegiate game. The Waunakee High School running back announced shortly after his Wisconsin state championship victory that he would be continuing his career at New Mexico. It is sure to be a nice homecoming for him and his family.

Week two will give the Badgers another tune up opportunity for Heisman hopeful Jonathan Taylor and quarterback Alex Hornibrook to get read for the treacherous Big Ten slate. The Lobos are still trying to figure out who they are at this point and the Badgers at home are too tough. Wisconsin rolls to a 2-0 start behind a big game from Taylor and the running backs.

Final Score: New Mexico 10, Wisconsin 49 (2-0)