After a week off, Wisconsin returns to action Saturday at Camp Randall against Bowling Green. Kickoff between the Badgers and Falcons is scheduled for noon, with television coverage on ESPN2 and a streaming broadcast available on WatchESPN.
Bowling Green vs. Wisconsin: Game time, TV schedule, preview and more
Did a week off help the Badgers regroup? Find out this afternoon.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Badgers are still licking their wounds from a 28-24 loss in the season opener against LSU, a defeat that led to a quarterback controversy, a star running back questioning his playing time and a boatload of confusing statements by the Wisconsin coaching staff. A blowout win over Western Illinois and a week of rest might have solved Wisconsin’s myriad problems, but that can hardly be assumed.
Melvin Gordon appears to be healthy, which is a big problem for Bowling Green. The junior halfback is averaging 5.4 yards per carry so far this season and posted 140 yards rushing against the LSU defense, and is looking to get more involved in the Wisconsin offense this week.
Bowling Green knocked off Indiana, 45-42, last week, running its record to 2-1 on the season. While the defense has looked porous, the Bowling Green offense has shown balance and explosiveness. Quarterback James Knapke has thrown four touchdown passes despite sitting out the team’s first game, and three different receivers have caught touchdowns longer than 30 yards. Knape completed 46 of 73 attempts against Indiana last week for 395 yards and three scores.
How to witness
TV: ESPN2, noon
Radio: Wisconsin fans can listen on the Badger Radio Network; Bowling Green affiliates are available in Ohio
Online streaming: WatchESPN
The numbers
Rankings and records: Wisconsin comes into Saturday’s game ranked No. 19 at 1-1. Bowling Green is unranked, but dangerous at 2-1.
Vegas: Wisconsin is a 27-point favorite, with the over/under set at 64.5
Weather forecast: There is a chance of a storm during the afternoon in Madison, but high temps should top out in the mid-70s.
Two things at stake
Wisconsin continues on a schedule largely devoid of potential losses; not until November 15 will the Badgers see another team currently ranked in the AP Top 25. In fact, with South Florida, Northwestern, and Illinois scheduled through October 11, Bowling Green could be the most difficult opponent the Badgers face in a month. If Wisconsin wants any chance of advancing to a top bowl or the playoff, it will have to play flawlessly through this stretch.
As for Bowling Green, the Falcons are presented with the opportunity to take out a second consecutive Big Ten opponent. The Falcons haven’t won two games in the same season against Big Ten opposition since 2003, when they knocked off No. 16 Purdue in the regular season and took down Northwestern in the Motor City Bowl.
One big matchup
Wisconsin passing game vs. Bowling Green pass defense: On the one hand, Wisconsin could barely complete a pass against LSU, and quarterback Tanner McEvoy is just 31 of 52 for 333 yards after two full games as the Badgers' starter (backup Bart Houston has just one pass attempt). On the other hand, Bowling Green hands out passing yardage like candy, allowing Western Kentucky quarterback Brandon Doughty to throw for 569 yards and six touchdowns, while Indiana's Nate Sudfeld threw for 347 yards and a score. It's the stoppable force versus the movable object. Something's got to give.
Further reading
Bucky’s 5th Quarter covers the Badgers, and Hustle Belt has all the news you need from Bowling Green and the rest of the MAC.
See More:
