Wisconsin Badgers are returning from likely the two worst weeks in recent program history. Wisconsin started their season with a dominating 45-7 win. The hype around the Badgers grew to new levels and some people thought they could be part of the College Football Playoff. But then COVID hit in a big way with multiple players getting the virus and knocking out the program for two weeks. Wisconsin is back. The roster could look different per what Paul Chryst told us yesterday. But they still have a chance to be special this season despite only playing six games this season.

Wisconsin needs to channel their inner Aaron Rodgers and run the table to finish off the year. That is immense pressure but the Badgers are in the same category as BYU or Cincinnati. It starts with Michigan on Saturday night. The Wolverines look hapless in their last two games against Indiana and Michigan State. Badgers struggled the last time they came to The Big House in 2018. If they get past Michigan, a showdown with the undefeated Northwestern Wildcats looms the following week at Ryan Field. If Wisconsin wins both of those road games, they’re right back into the conversation for the College Football Playoff.

The fortunate thing for Wisconsin is the opportunities do not stop there. They also have Indiana and Iowa on their schedule. Indiana is ranked in the top 10 at the moment and will still be a top Big Ten team come December barring something dumb. Iowa is better than their record says they are. The only things that stand in Wisconsin’s way are Northwestern and Purdue. Even if Wisconsin beats Northwestern but the Wildcats win out, they get into the Big Ten title with seven wins over Wisconsin’s six. Purdue and Wisconsin could tie at seven wins. Not sure what the tiebreaker would hold. Purdue and Northwestern meet this week which is a big swing game.

If Wisconsin runs the table, they will meet Ohio State for the third year in the last four in the Big Ten title game. Ohio State may be the best team in football. But if they beat Ohio State, Wisconsin will be considered for a playoff spot. What might make it more difficult on the Badgers is the Group of 5 teams that are all banging on the door. BYU, Cincinnati probably have better cases than Wisconsin if they both go unbeaten. What about a one-loss Texas A&M team who just lost to Alabama? Or a Clemson team that lost to Notre Dame without Trevor Lawrence? Even if Wisconsin completes a perfect year, the deck is stacked against them.

This is all assuming that Wisconsin plays the rest of the way. It’s hard to say if that’s going to happen or not. College football is dealing with more COVID issues than any other sport. Why? College kids who are living it up. Halloween was two weeks ago and now we’re seeing the effects. The football programs just need to get past these two weeks. Once the kids go home for extended holiday breaks, this will make life much easier on the football programs. But they have to get there first.

Good to have the Badgers back.

Charlie.