Wisconsin Football, ranked No. 4 in the AP preseason poll, opens up their season at home against Western Kentucky.
The Wisconsin Badgers are facing something they have not seen since 2000- being this high in the preseason AP top 25.
Coming in at No. 4, this ties the mark for the highest the Badgers have ever been ranked to start the season. While preseason rankings are subject to change very quickly, there is some importance to it as it provides a chance for those ranked high to control their own destiny. For example, if the Badgers had been ranked to start the season this high- they would have likely seen themselves in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings earlier than they did.
The Badgers will face a much difficult schedule than they saw in 2017, with road games at Penn State, Iowa, Michigan, Purdue, and Northwestern. Their home slate is not as strong, and starts with a somewhat easy opportunity in week one against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
Date: Friday, August 31
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Location: Madison, WI
Venue: Camp Randall Stadium
TV: ESPN+
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to the Game
Entering the 2018 season, the Badgers’ offense is poised to be much stronger than a year ago and not as dependent on the defense picking up their slack again. With returners at all major skill position and a veteran offensive line, big things are expected out of this offense.
Unfortunately for the Badgers, they will be without arguably their top two most talented wide receivers in Quintez Cephus and Danny Davis. Cephus is currently facing allegations of sexual assault, while Davis has been suspended two games for his alleged involvement.
For Wisconsin, it will be interesting to see how their new look defensive secondary will turn out. For the Badgers to get off to a hot start in this one, it is important they come out solid out the gate and prevent the Hilltoppers from grabbing any big plays. On offense, it is next man up for these receivers- as Kendrick Pryor and AJ Taylor will need to have big games through the air.
Prediction
Wisconsin may come out a little sluggish due to the situation at wide receiver, but thankfully for them they have a Heisman Trophy candidate in Jonathan Taylor. The Badgers, despite being improved in the passing attack, will use Taylor early and often behind their big offensive line.
A couple of first half touchdowns from Taylor will be enough to cover up a few big plays from the Hilltoppers and the Badgers will settle in nicely in the second half to an easy win.
Final Score: Wisconsin 49, Western Kentucky 10