BadgerNotes Staff Predictions: Wisconsin Football vs. Rutgers

After a bye week that seemingly took forever, the Wisconsin football team is hosting Rutgers for their first home conference game of the season. The Badgers are currently 1-0 in conference, putting them on top of the Big Ten West division. A win on Saturday would give them a lot more

Make sure you check out BadgerNotes for all the pregame content leading up to the game on Saturday. But if you are looking for predictions for the game, you are in the right place.

So here we go, Week 6 BadgersNotes Staff Predictions: Wisconsin vs. Rutgers.

BadgerNotes Staff Predictions: Wisconsin Football vs. Rutgers

Christian Borman (3-1): Wisconsin 31-24

Entering the game as 13-point favorites seems a little steep to me. The Wisconsin football team lost Chez Mellusi, who was effectively RB1-B. Without a backup option that will get even close to his production, life is going to be harder for Braelon Allen. Now, even more pressure is going to fall onto Mordecai to produce through the air. 

Unfortunately for the Badgers, Rutgers has been a stout team, defensively. The Scarlet Knights rank fourth in the Big Ten in total yards, rushing yards, and passing yards allowed. Granted, they haven’t played the best teams, beating Temple, Northwestern, and Wagner. 

At the end of the day, I think the Badgers are going to make just enough plays to beat Rutgers. The offense is going to put up some points, but the defense has struggled to stop teams too frequently this year. It’s going to be closer and more uncomfortable than people think/want, but I think that’s just the type of team they are this year. 

Dillon Graff (3-1): Wisconsin 31-20

I have grown more confident with each passing week that Wisconsin football will win each week despite the glaring issues that continue to rear their ugly heads.

Even though I have respect for what Greg Schiano has done with the Scarlet Knights — there’s no doubt in my mind that the Badgers will get the job done on Saturday. That said, I’m fully anticipating being frustrated for at least half of the game because Rutgers gashes Wisconsin’s defense over and over in the running game — leaving the door open longer than it should be.

“Sir, Wisconsin has outscored Rutgers 168-30 in their last four matchups.” pic.twitter.com/L5dYGj68Cj

— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) October 6, 2023

Give me the Badgers 31-20.

Jake Maier (3-1): Wisconsin 34-24

Dylan Buboltz (3-1): Wisconsin 24-16

The biggest question on offense will be who can separate themselves as the new RB2. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see both Jackson Acker and Cade Yacamelli at different points. Braelon Allen will be the bell cow, but who emerges as the backup will be something I keep my eye on.

On defense, it’s about keeping Gavin Wimsatt in the pocket. His rushing numbers won’t wow you, but anytime you allow a quarterback with good legs to escape, it’s a recipe for a long afternoon.

This isn’t the same Rutgers team as the last decade plus. It will be a grind on defense for both teams. I think Rutgers is still a few years away and I think UW gets a close win on homecoming. 24-16 Wisconsin.

Ryan Eilers (3-1): Wisconsin 42-17

It’s Homecoming for the Wisconsin football team and the Badgers come in fresh off the bye week. The Scarlet Knights come into Madison after a solid beat down at the hands of Michigan last Saturday. Sure, the Fighting Schiano’s led 7-0, but if you take away that 69-yard broken play touchdown, they would have been smashed 31-0 and only gained 188 yards of total offense. That sounds fun!

Wisconsin’s defense has played four spread offenses in a row and held three of four to their lowest point totals of the year. Dare I mention that all four of those opponents average more points per game than that of Iowa (22.2), Northwestern (21.8), Illinois (21.6), Indiana (20.8) and Nebraska (18.8).

Rutgers averages 30.8 PPG so they are not bad by any metric. Unfortunately for Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt, this Wisconsin defense he faces isn’t that of Wagner, Temple, or the Northwestern of the world. There are a lot of things that have changed in Madison, but this defense still has some bullies that will hit you in the mouth and take your lunch money.

The opportunity to win the Big Ten West is right in front of them. Time for the boys to buckle up the chin straps and go remind folks what it is to play with that W on their chest and represent Wisconsin football. It’s time to take what is theirs! Badgers cruise 42-17.

Drew Hamm (2-1): Wisconsin 30-17

Rutgers is better than you think, but so is Wisconsin probably. After a week off to get their house in order, the Badgers come out and jump on the Scarlet Knights early. Rutgers adds a late touchdown to make it look closer than it was, but this is a dominant UW win.

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers football news, notes, opinions, and analysis. You can also follow Christian Borman on Twitter @christianborman.

Follow this link and use promo code: BADGERNOTES for 25% off your next True Classic order.

Join the Badger Notes watch party and stream Wisconsin Badgers games by following this link.

*Subscribe to BadgerNotes After Dark on Youtube and wherever you find podcasts, the official Wisconsin Badgers podcast of the Big Banter Sports Network.