How Wisconsin Football can still win the Big Ten West
Wisconsin linebacker Jeff Pietrowski Jr. (44) celebrates after making a defensive stop against Iowa on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Iowa won the game, 12-6.
© Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Badgers suffered a tough loss to Iowa, but they can still accomplish their goal
On Saturday, the Wisconsin Badgers had a golden opportunity to take control in the Big Ten West, but they failed to get the job done during a 15-6 home loss to Iowa. Now, instead of controlling their own destiny, the Badgers will not only have to take care of their own business, but they will need a little help from the outside. The problem is, they may have to take care of at least some of that business without their starting quarterback, Tanner Mordecai, who injured his hand on Saturday.
Where They Stand
Following their 15-6 loss to the Hawkeyes, the Badgers now sit a 4-2 overall (2-1 in the Big Ten), while Iowa is 6-1 (3-1 in the Big Ten). With their big win, Iowa would hold the tiebreaker over Wisconsin if the teams end up with the same record at the end of the regular season.
How Wisconsin can still win the Big Ten West
For the Badgers to win the Big Ten West, I believe they will have to win at least five of their final six games AND have the Hawkeyes lose twice. The first part of that equation is doable as Wisconsin's schedule, other than a matchup against Ohio State in two weeks, is favorable.
First, let's look at Wisconsin's remaining schedule, along with what they would have to do to finish 5-1 down the stretch. I will assume the Badgers will lose to Ohio State, which means they will have to win every other game remaining on their schedule.
| Date | Opponent | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
Saturday Oct. 21 | at Illinois Fighting Illini | W |
Saturday Oct. 28 | Ohio State Buckeyes | L |
Saturday Nov. 4 | at Indiana Hoosiers | W |
Saturday Nov. 11 | Northwestern Wildcats | W |
Saturday Nov. 18 | Nebraska Cornhuskers | W |
Saturday Nov. 25 | at Minnesota Golden Gophers | W |
If Wisconsin finishes 5-1 down the stretch, they will finish with a 7-2 record in the Big Ten West. This means Iowa, who currently had just one conference loss, will have to lose two of their remaining games.
Here is Iowa's remaining schedule.
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
Saturday Oct. 21 | |
Saturday Oct. 28 | OFF |
Saturday Nov. 4 | at Indiana Hoosiers |
Saturday Nov. 11 | Northwestern Wildcats |
Saturday Nov. 18 | Nebraska Cornhuskers |
Friday Nov. 24 | at Minnesota Golden Gophers |
Looking at the Hawkeyes' remaining schedule, there is not a single team they should fear. Unfortunately, for Wisconsin, Iowa does not have to play Ohio State this year. With that being said, I still do not believe the Hawkeyes are a good all-around team. Their defense is stellar, but their offense leaves much to be desired, which means it is possible that they slip up a couple of times down the stretch.
Wisconsin linebacker Jordan Turner (54) sacks Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill (10) on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Iowa won the game, 12-6.
© Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK
Crystal Ball Prediction
My crystal ball prediction is that Tanner Mordecai will return sooner than later and that Wisconsin will win five of their final six games to finish with a 7-2 record in the Big Ten West. I also predict that Iowa will drop two of their final five games to finish at 6-3 in the conference. If these two things happen, the Badgers will advance to the Big Ten Championship Game, where they will face either Michigan, Ohio State, or Penn State. Maybe this is a bit of wishful thinking for Badgers fans, but this is the Big Ten West we are talking about! With all of that being said, If Tanner Mordecai is forced to miss an extended period of time, then all bets are off.
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