Wisconsin is readying to take back the Big Ten West title in 2022, but will their schedule allow them to do so?
The Badger calendar is a mixed bag next season. You draw Ohio State out of the Big Ten East, but the three non-conference matchups aren’t expected to give Wisconsin serious trouble. Last season, the Buckeyes were nowhere to be found on the schedule, but Notre Dame handed the Badgers a non-conference loss at Soldier Field.
In 2022, the Badgers can ease into things in a different way. 2021 brought the challenge of opening the year with a premier Big Ten opponent in Penn State. Neither offense looked sharp in a close, sloppy game that Wisconsin ultimately dropped. This time around, the Badgers will see Illinois State in the comfort of Camp Randall to begin the campaign.
While a road matchup at Ohio State is clearly the toughest battle on the schedule, where do Wisconsin’s other opponents line up? Here is a look at our BadgersWire rankings of the Badgers’ 2022 games, going from easiest to hardest:
12
September 3 vs Illinois State
Nov 20, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz (5) reacts following a touchdown during the first quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Wisconsin’s first game of the season lands as the easiest matchup of the season. Illinois State is an FCS program coming off of a 4-7 season in which they struggled mightily to generate enough offense (shut out twice last season). Expect Wisconsin’s defense to cruise early and often.
11
September 17 vs New Mexico State
Nov 13, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Camp Randall Stadium. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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