The Badgers host the No. 1 team in the nation on Saturday in primetime fashion.
Many of us had this game circled long ago as the Wisconsin Badgers toughest test of the season, and it appears that this is coming to fruition as the Oregon Ducks will jet into Madison as the No. 1 team in the College Football Playoff rankings, showing few flaws and playing high-level football since mid-September.
While a loss is very likely for Wisconsin, it’s still worth examining our Best, Worst, and Most Likely Scenarios. So, let’s get to it.
Best Case: This is one I’m having a lot of trouble with because I don’t think we’ve seen Wisconsin’s best game yet. Is that likely to happen against the No. 1 team in the country? No. Could it? I guess.
While Wisconsin’s ceiling has sunk significantly since August, Oregon has looked like the best team in America, with no palpable flaws on Offense, Defense, or Special Teams. Not great, Bob.
If the Badgers play smart, largely error-free football, there’s a universe where the Badgers keep this one relatively close. But, alas, I don’t see one where they win and that hurts. I’ll say a Best Case is 31-21 Oregon. This marks the first time this season that my Best Case doesn’t feature a win.
Worst Case: It’s entirely possible that Dillon Gabriel and his unmatched stable of stud wide receivers come into Madison and absolutely boat race the Badgers, a team who couldn’t even belong on the same field as unranked Iowa before the bye week.
The Nike-funded Ducks are loaded with well-paid dudes, and the reality is they will not only have far more talent on the Camp Randall turf than Wisconsin will, but are also led by an ultra-effective and brainy coach in Dan Lanning who is rarely out-maneuvered. Do you honestly see that happening Saturday evening?
Remember, this is Worst Case territory, but a blowout is probably the order of the day here and I’ll go with 49-9 Oregon. Yikes.
Most Likely: Despite the massive gulf in on-field talent here, my hope is that Wisconsin will “bring it” in a festive Camp Randall night environment. That would make for a few nice moments for the squad.
But in the end, it won’t be nearly enough as the Ducks’ relentless talent and track meet pace will be far too much for the Badgers to handle.
I’m calling a 38-13 Oregon victory in a game that certainly won’t quell any of the criticisms this coaching staff is facing and will make Nebraska and Minnesota look like must-wins to salvage a deeply flawed sophomore campaign for Luke Fickell.