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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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MADISON, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 20: Braelon Allen #0 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 20: Braelon Allen #0 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Week 7: Away vs. Michigan State

This matchup is going to be one of Wisconsin’s toughest tests of the season. Michigan State is coming off of an impressive 11-2 season with wins over Michigan, Penn State, and Pitt.

The Spartans’ biggest challenge will be having to replace star running back Kenneth Walker, who declared for the NFL draft after finishing 6th in Heisman voting. However, head coach Mel Tucker brought in two talented running backs from the transfer portal — Jarek Broussard from Colorado and Jalen Berger from Wisconsin.

What makes these Spartans a threat is the return of quarterback Payton Thorne, whose 27 touchdown passes in 2021 set a single-season school record. If Wisconsin wants to win in this hostile environment, the defense will have to contain him.

I expect the Badgers to put up a fight in this one, but Mel Tucker is the real deal in East Lansing, and his team will come ready to play.

Prediction: Michigan State 31, Wisconsin 23 (5-2) 

Week 8: Home vs. Purdue

The Purdue Boilermakers are a program on the rise. Last season, head coach Jeff Brohm’s team won nine games for the first time since 2004.

6th-year senior quarterback Aidan O’Connell is back after receiving 2nd-team All-Big Ten honors last season. Purdue will have to replace their leading receiver David Bell, who declared for the NFL Draft.

But the Boilermakers still have senior receiver Broc Thompson, who exploded in last year’s Music City Bowl with 217 receiving yards.

Defensively, the Boilermakers were an average unit last season but will have much more experience this year with several returning starters.

After getting blown out at home by Wisconsin, the Boilermakers went 5-1 in their final 6 games of the season. During that span, O’Connell played some of the best football of his career- throwing for 21 touchdowns with 2 games of over 500 passing yards.

This season I expect O’Connell to pick up right where he left off.

My final score here might come as a surprise to many Badger fans. I believe Purdue will come into Camp Randall and steal a win. This Boilermaker offense could be electric- and a shootout won’t end well for Wisconsin.

Prediction: Purdue 38, Wisconsin 24 (5-3) 

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