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Wisconsin Football: Game-by-game predictions for Badgers in 2022

By Harris Jacobs

Sep 11, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; the Wisconsin Badgers run onto the field prior to the game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; the Wisconsin Badgers run onto the field prior to the game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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EVANSTON, IL – SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Brock Spack of the Illinois State Redbirds encourages his team against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on September 10, 2016 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL – SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Brock Spack of the Illinois State Redbirds encourages his team against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on September 10, 2016 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Week 1: Home vs Illinois State

The Badgers kick off their 2022 season against the Illinois State Redbirds, who are a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. They will be led by ex-Minnesota Gopher quarterback Zack Annestad.

The last two seasons for the Redbirds were ones to forget, as they were a combined 5-10 during that span.

The Badgers’ defense should have a field day against the Redbirds’ offense, who ranked last in their conference last season with an average of only 252 yards per game.

Prediction: Wisconsin 34, Illinois State 3 (1-0) 

Week 2: Home vs. Washington State

Last season, the Cougars’ program went through no shortage of turmoil-  second-year head coach Nick Rolovich was fired midway through the season after he didn’t comply with the university’s COVID vaccine mandate.

Defensive coordinator Jake Dickert was named interim coach for the remainder of the season and led the Cougars to a 3-2 record in their final five games. Dickert was promoted to head coach following the season and will begin his first full season at the helm in 2022.

The Cougars will be led at quarterback by transfer Cameron Ward, who became a star in his two seasons at FCS program Incarnate Word. In his FCS career, Ward threw for more than 70 touchdowns in two seasons.

On defense, the Cougars should have a strong unit in 2022- which will be anchored by preseason All-Pac-12 first-team linebacker Ron Stone Jr.

While the Cougars will be a tough early-season matchup for the Badgers, Camp Randall is a tough place for opponents. I expect Wisconsin to pull out a close victory.

Prediction: Wisconsin 24, Washington State 21 (2-0) 

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