Wisconsin Football tight end Tucker Ashcraft is expected to take on a bigger role this season with the Badgers — © Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin Badgers Football Season Preview, Team MVPs, and Schedule Predictions

With the Badgers football season set to kick off Friday night against Western Michigan, AllBadgers' Kedrick Stumbris makes his final prognostications.

Author:
Kedrick Stumbris
Aug 30, 2024 11:18 AM EDT

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The wait is over. Wisconsin Badgers football season is here.

When Wisconsin begins its season against Western Michigan, it will seek to bounce back from a disappointing first season in year one of the Luke Fickell era. Head coach Luke Fickell's team projects as an underdog in four games in 2024.

On the one hand, UW potentially finishing 8-4, firmly outside the Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff races, could be disappointing. On the other, with a schedule featuring games against the Alabama Crimson Tide, Oregon Ducks, Penn State Nittany Lions, at Southern California, and at Iowa, notching eight wins for the first time since 2021 may be something to celebrate.

Tonight's matchup with Western Michigan might be an unexpected test for the Wisconsin football program. After a lackluster first half against the Buffalo Bulls in Week 1 a season ago, offensive coordinator Phil Longo's offense will be challenged to gel together more quickly, and defensive coordinator Mike Tressel's unit will be challenged schematically to cover its weaknesses.

The Wisconsin Badgers football team will have its offensive line tested against Western Michigan

Regardless of tonight's result, the march from September (er- August 30th) to Bowl Szn is a marathon, not a sprint. In this podcast, Kedrick Stumbris reveals his final predictions for team MVPs, honorable mentions, game results, and more for the 136th season of Wisconsin Badgers football.