BadgerNotes Staff Predictions: Wisconsin Football vs. Buffalo

After almost 250 days, we will finally get to see the Wisconsin football team take the field this Saturday against the Buffalo Bulls. There’s going to be a ton of eyes on this game. It’s the start of the Luke Fickell Era. What will the offense look like? Will the transfers pan out and look the part?

Needless to say, this is a highly anticipated game for many Wisconsin football fans.

BadgerNotes has put out content previewing this game all week long, whether it was the BadgerNotes After Dark podcast (you should subscribe if you haven’t already), things to watch for, and even a little betting information if you are into that.

But now it’s time for the writing staff to give their predictions for the game on Sunday.

BadgerNotes Staff Predictions: Wisconsin Football vs. Buffalo

Christian Borman (0-0): 42-10 Wisconsin

This is going to be the perfect way for the Badgers to start. A low-level cupcake game to get the new offense installed before they travel to Wazzu next week. Despite Jim Leonhard leaving, this defense is still loaded with a lot of talent. I’d expect them to stifle the Bulls’ offense, even with that two-headed running attack. I’m only giving Buffalo 10 points to allow for some late-game garbage points. I think Wisconsin dominates to open the season 1-0. 

Dillon Graff (0-0): 38-7 Wisconsin

I love that Wisconsin football gets a chance to dip their toes in the water and play a layup opponent in week one. The Badgers have a new offense & defense with numerous players this coaching staff wants to rotate in and get an extended look at. My best guess is the offense moves the ball at will in the run game, and the defense swarms, leading to Wisconsin putting this thing on cruise control midway through the third quarter.

Jake Maier (0-0): 38-7 Wisconsin

I’ll go with Wisconsin winning this one, and it shouldn’t really be close. This is the exact situation you want to kick off the new era, a game against low-level competition. The only thing that Buffalo has going for them is their running back tandem of Mike Washington and Ron Cook Jr. They may give Wisconsin some trouble on the ground, but it should be more than manageable. I’ll go with a 38-7 final score for the season opener.

Drew Hamm (0-0): 42-10 Wisconsin

Wisconsin beats Buffalo. Tanner Mordecai looks good and both Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi rush for over 100 yards.

Dylan Buboltz (0-0): 35-10 Wisconsin

I think Wisconsin establishes the run early and slowly lets the passing game come together. It’s going to be an incredible atmosphere and it’s important Wisconsin controls the emotions of the home crowd. I think the defense makes plays all game and I see UW winning 35-10.

Ryan Eilers (0-0): 45-13 Wisconsin

While it may take a few weeks to really get the Wisconsin offense fully tuned up in a game setting – we should expect to see points. Coach Fickell and staff employ a very attacking style of play on both sides of the ball. The Wisconsin offense is poised to put some points on the board as they face the 96th-ranked Buffalo Bulls according to ESPN FPI.

I think Buffalo can slow the offense for a drive two. That should be all it takes for the newly minted captain and stud quarterback Tanner Mordecai to start cooking. The last time fans were able to see him play was the 2023 spring game. I’d imagine he wants to change the spring game narrative and will surgically start taking apart the Bulls’ defense quickly. Badgers 45 – 13.

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