Preview: Wisconsin at No. 2 Indiana

After an exhilarating 13-10 upset win over No. 24 Washington, Wisconsin (3-6, 1-5) has renewed optimism in November. The Badgers got their first win over a ranked opponent since 2021 and ended an 11-game losing streak against power-four competition. Their prize? No. 2 and undefeated Indiana (10-0, 7-0).

As good as the Hoosiers have been during this two-year run, they have been human times this season, narrowly surviving Penn State a week prior. Despite being 30-point underdogs on the road, UW aims to shock the world…

“I’m glad they won, because I want to be the one to beat them,” said senior edge rusher Mason Reiger.

GAME INFO

Time: 11 a.m. CT

Where: Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Ind.)

TV: Jeff Levering, Jake Butt, Brooke Fletcher

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Series History: Wisconsin leads 41-20-2

Last Meeting: Indiana won 20-14 in 2023

Vegas Line: Indiana – 30

NUMBERS TO KNOW

6: Wisconsin has defeated six top-2 ranked opponents in school history.

10: The Badgers have claimed 10 of the last 12 meetings in this series.

15: The Hoosiers have won 15 consecutive games against unranked foes.

18: Indiana leads the all-time series 18-10-1 in Bloomington.

1959: The Badgers last defeated a top-2 ranked team on the road in 1959 (Northwestern).

2019: UW last defeated a top 10 ranked team on the road in 2019 (Minnesota).

WHAT TO WATCH

Can Carter Smith Move the Ball Through the Air?

True freshman quarterback Carter Smith came on in relief of Danny O’Neil last week and provided a spark to help Wisconsin upset Washington. That spark came primarily with his feet. Smith ran for 52 yards on 13 carries, but was only 3-of-12 passing for eight yards against the Huskies. That formula is likely not sustainable against an Indiana defense that ranks top 20 nationally in all four major defensive statistical categories.

Will Wisconsin’s Defense Continue to Carry the Team?

In their last two outings, the Wisconsin defense has allowed just a total of 31 points and an average of 292 yards per game. That will be put to the test against Fernando Mendoza, Omar Cooper, and the Indiana offense, which ranks first nationally in points (44.5 ppg), sixth in total yards (487.0 ypg), and ninth in rushing (231.9 ypg). Pressure will be key. The Badgers have 9.0 sacks and 17.0 tackles for loss in their first two games against Oregon and Washington.

Familiar Faces in New Places

Wisconsin will see some of its own on the other sideline. IU offensive line coach Bob Bostad, a Pardeeville native, served two terms with the Badgers. Tight end Riley Nowakowski, a Milwaukee native, is a senior for the Hoosiers. He’s having a career year in Bloomington with 19 receptions for 231 yards and a touchdown. Former walk-on and Fort Atkinson native Drew Evans, may not play due to injury, but is a starting offensive lineman at IU.

PREDICTION

Wisconsin hasn’t beaten a top-2 ranked opponent on the road since 1959. And under head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana has only lost two games over the last two-plus seasons. Those losses came against the eventual national champion, Ohio State, and the national runner-up, Notre Dame.

So, how do the 3-6 Badgers do the unthinkable?

The calling card for UW has to be making games ugly and hoping a key turnover, momentum swing comes their way in the second half. That’s bad news against the Hoosiers, who ranked second nationally in turnover margin, No. 10 penalties, and third in time of possession (57.3%). Simply put, IU doesn’t beat itself and likely won’t provide the openings that UW needs. On top of that, the Hoosiers are elite on both sides of the ball. IU is also one of the best at protecting the quarterback and limiting negative plays, which is where the Badgers have also found some hope as of late.

Last Saturday was fun. I hope everyone enjoyed it. But what took place at Camp Randall and the way Wisconsin won that game isn’t sustainable going forward. Indiana had their scare a week ago. They’re returning home, likely ultra-focused to put together a perfect season with just two games remaining on their schedule.

Indiana 35 Wisconsin 3