Notre Dame Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2021 season

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Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz (5) and offensive lineman Logan Bruss (60) leave the field after their game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern beat Wisconsin 17-7.Mjs Uwgrid22 43 Jpg Uwgrid22 /

From one Big Ten foe to another, Notre Dame will face Purdue at home and then head to Chicago the following week to check in against Wisconsin. The Badgers and Irish will face off in a cool late-September neutral field battle and this might actually have early playoff implications as well.

The Badgers are hoping to come out of the Big Ten West and this would be a good test to see just how far they are and the Irish are going a more unique route as an independent, trying to make a third playoff in four years.

Wisconsin will prove to be the best early opponent for the Irish in September, taking Notre Dame down to the wire, but losing on a late field goal.

Jalen Berger and Graham Mertz will be solid on offense this season for the Badgers but this is going to be an elite defensive battle.

Marcus Freeman will get the last laugh, though, with a stingy three-point ranked win.

Final Score: Notre Dame 20, Wisconsin 17 (4-0)

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