College Football Rankings 2020: Projected AP Top 25 for Week 12

Wisconsin returned to the field on Saturday evening for the first time since October 24, after games against Nebraska and Purdue were canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak on the Badgers roster. Playing in the Big House, Wisconsin took a 28-0 lead in the first 20 minutes of their interdivisional clash against Michigan. If the lead holds up, look for Wisconsin to maintain their position just outside the top 10 of the AP Top 25.

After speculation swirled all week, Graham Mertz did take the field for the Badgers in Ann Arbor. In his first two quarters back after recovery from COVID-19, Mertz started the game 7-of-13 for 64 yards and a touchdown. Wisconsin’s defense did its part as well, holding Michigan to 25 yards on the ground and forcing interceptions on both of Joe Milton’s first two passes. The Wolverines were held on a fourth-down stop at the goal line right before halftime to preserve a first-half shutout.

Assuming Wisconsin wins on the road, they turn around and play another road game in Week 12 against Northwestern. That battle in Evanston could go a long way toward determining who represents the West in the Big Ten championship game.