Wisconsin was dealt a reality check on Saturday as the No. 4-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide visited town and rolled to a 42-10 victory.
Camp Randall Stadium had emptied out when the game clock hit 0:00. As has been the case far too often over the last three years, the opposing team appeared to enjoy ‘Jump Around’ more than anybody else in attendance — definitely more than the home team.
Related: Badgers fans, former players question program’s direction after blowout loss to No. 4 Alabama
The loss dealt a sobering blow to any momentum the Badgers built in the first two weeks. In reality, the performance just continued Wisconsin’s string of sub-par play that dates back to Luke Fickell’s first game in 2023.
A loss to Alabama was the most likely outcome. But fans and several former players expected the team to be further along than it currently is. There is an overwhelming thought that even in the loss, the Badgers lack a clear go-to identity.
Wisconsin is on a bye this week before traveling to No. 11 USC to begin conference play. Big strides must be made on both sides of the football or else Saturday’s final result will be repeated.
ESPN FPI agrees with that sentiment. Its long-term view of the Badgers has dropped significantly over the last few weeks, even in the team’s indecisive two-touchdown victories against lesser competition. Here is where the metric now ranks the Badgers compared to the rest of the Big Ten, with an emphasis on each team’s current trend line:
Sep 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) and head coach Ryan Day prepare to take the field prior to the NCAA football game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Ohio Stadium. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK
ESPN FPI Rating: No. 3 overall (26.2)
Record: 2-0 (0-0 Big Ten)
Week 3 Result: BYE
Trend: Rising (Up 1 spot)
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