Tunisia World Cup
As a longtime Badgers fan and college football analyst, I've been counting down the days until the 2023 Wisconsin football season kicks off. Having followed this program through multiple coaching transitions and conference realignments, I can confidently say this year's schedule presents both tremendous opportunities and significant challenges that will define the trajectory of the program under Coach Luke Fickell's leadership. When I first heard about Fickell's hiring last November, I immediately marked my calendar for the entire season – there's something special about watching a new era of Badgers football unfold, especially with the offensive philosophy shift we've been witnessing.
The non-conference slate opens with Buffalo on September 2nd at Camp Randall, what should be a comfortable 38-10 type victory that allows the new offensive system to find its footing. Then comes the first real test – at Washington State on September 9th. This road trip to Pullman worries me more than most analysts seem to acknowledge. The Cougars return starting quarterback Cameron Ward and have that Pac-12 after-dark magic that's tripped up many visiting teams. I've watched enough cross-timezone games to know the body clock adjustment is real, and the 9:30 PM Central time kickoff creates additional complications. Still, I believe the Badgers' physical running game with Braelon Allen will ultimately wear them down in what I'm predicting will be a 31-24 victory.
The conference schedule brings the usual Big Ten West gauntlet, but with some intriguing new wrinkles. That October 28th showdown at Ohio State stands out as what I'm calling the "program measuring stick" game. Having attended the last three Wisconsin-Ohio State matchups in person, I can tell you the talent gap has been noticeable, though not insurmountable. This is where that reference knowledge about "sticking to their roots" becomes crucial. For Wisconsin to have any chance in Columbus, they'll need to leverage their traditional identity – controlling the clock, winning the line of scrimmage, and minimizing mistakes – while incorporating Fickell's new offensive concepts. I'm particularly interested to see how quarterback Tanner Mordecai handles that environment, having transferred from SMU where he put up video game numbers but against weaker competition.
What fascinates me about this schedule is how backloaded it becomes. The final five games include trips to Indiana and Minnesota sandwiched between home contests against Nebraska and Purdue before the regular season finale against Iowa at Camp Randall. That stretch will determine whether this is merely a good season or a truly special one. The Purdue game on November 18th particularly stands out in my mind – the Boilermakers have given Wisconsin trouble recently, and their pass-heavy attack could test the Badgers' secondary in ways other teams cannot.
Looking at the home schedule, I've already circled October 14th against Iowa as my must-attend game. The Heartland Trophy rivalry has produced some unforgettable moments, and this year's installment could very well decide the Big Ten West. Having witnessed the 2020 and 2021 games in person – both Wisconsin victories – I can attest to the unique intensity this matchup brings. The Hawkeyes' stifling defense against what should be a more dynamic Wisconsin offense creates what I consider the most intriguing schematic battle of the entire schedule.
The reality is Wisconsin faces what I'd rank as the third-toughest schedule in the Big Ten, behind only Ohio State and Michigan. What gives me confidence is the timing of the bye week – positioned perfectly between the Ohio State and Indiana games, giving the team crucial recovery time before the final push. In my twenty years of following college football, I've seen how strategically placed bye weeks can make or break a season, particularly for teams transitioning to new systems.
As the season progresses, I'll be watching how the team handles the psychological aspect of this schedule. The early road test at Washington State, the midseason gauntlet against Rutgers and Iowa, and the emotional Senior Day against Nebraska all present different mental challenges. My prediction? Wisconsin finishes 10-2 overall with a 7-2 conference record, good enough to win the Big Ten West. But what excites me most isn't the potential championship – it's watching this team forge its identity against a schedule that demands both innovation and tradition. The 2023 Badgers have the opportunity to prove that sticking to your roots doesn't mean refusing to grow, and that balance could make this the most memorable Wisconsin football season in recent history.
