Wisconsin bounced back from the Alabama loss to drop Miami University like third period French, and it doesn’t get a whole bunch tougher over the new few weeks before kicking off the Big Ten season against Iowa. There’s a ton for the Badgers to work on – they need the warm-ups. Troy wasn’t miserable in the opener against NC State – a 49-21 loss – and it came back roaring against Charleston Southern. Can the Trojans provide a fight? Check out the Wisconsin vs. Troy preview and prediction.

Wisconsin vs. Troy Preview & Prediction

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 19
Game Time: 3:30
Venue: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI
Network: BTN

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Why You Need To Care

Troy is trying to revamp the program with first year head coach Neal Brown, and it’s going to be an interesting process. The passing game has been interesting, and there’s enough experience on both sides of the ball to put up a bit of a fight, but the talent isn’t there on a team that went 3-9 last year. There are just enough good parts to make Wisconsin try, but for how long?

Wisconsin has a terrific team and should be favored in every game the rest of the way – at least until it gets into the Big Ten championship game, if it’s able to get there. The Badgers weren’t too bad against the loaded Alabama team, and then came the scrimmage against Miami University, when it didn’t get everything working correctly and still won by 58. It’s going to be a process for this Badger team with new head coach Paul Chryst at the helm, but there’s time. The goal is to put this away early, but Bucky might be playing with fire if it’s still not doing the things the program is used to doing – like running well.

Why Troy Will Win

The passing game has been accurate so far. It might not be a devastating offense, but so far, Brandon Silvers has been accurate completing 71% of his passes for 398 yards and three scores – he just has no running game to help him out. This is a good, talented quarterback with a dangerous veteran receiving corps to work with that’ll press the big plays down the field. The Wisconsin secondary might be fantastic, but it’s about to get tested.

Why Wisconsin Will Win

The Troy defensive front is really, really small. There might be a few big linemen in the middle, but for the most part the Trojans will rotate in linebacker-sized options and defensive back-sized linebackers. NC State was able to hammer away for 251 rushing yards and five scores, and Charleston Southern ran for 263 yards. While the Troy defense hasn’t been gashed for too many big plays, it’s getting pummeled. This is where the Badgers have to grind away because …

Player Who Matters

The running game hasn’t worked so far. Not being able to run on Alabama is one thing, but the Badgers only came up with 188 rushing yards against the RedHawks. So who’s going to run the ball? Corey Clement is likely going to be out yet again after suffering a groin injury – he’s going to rest for bigger and better dates. Dare Ogunbowale needed a little while to get going against MU, but he ended up blasting away for 112 yards, while Taiwan Deal came up with a few short scores. Just to show that they can, the Badgers need to come up with a massive number.

What’s Going To Happen?

Wisconsin will keep on producing at a high level, even if it doesn’t look like the team of the last few seasons. Unlike Miami, though, Troy will create a few big offensive plays to at least make it worth watching for a little while.

Wisconsin vs. Troy Score Prediction

Final Score: Wisconsin 52, Troy 14, Line: Wisconsin -35, o/u: 59.5

Must See Rating: 5: Republican Debate, Second Round – 1: Republican Debate, First Round … 1.5

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