Last week's Wisconsin and South Florida games were on the opposite ends of the entertainment spectrum. Badgers running back Melvin Gordon had 253 rushing yards and five touchdowns (19.5 yards per carry) and his team had 644 (!!!) total rushing yards in its 68-17 destruction of Bowling Green.
How to watch South Florida vs. Wisconsin: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
Can the Bulls stop the Badgers’ run game?
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile, South Florida’s game was significantly less awe-inspiring. The Bulls beat UConn in a sloppy yawner that got them their second win of the season. That sort of sums up where these two programs are at.
When USF heads up to Madison this weekend to take on the Badgers, it’s much more likely that we see a repeat of Gordon’s incredible rushing performance than it is that we see a Bulls win. Is there any way Willie Taggart’s team can pull out a win? Let’s look at the matchups.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: Noon ET
TV: ESPNU
Radio: Badger Radio Network, South Florida
Online streaming: WatchESPN
The numbers
Rankings and records: Wisconsin is 2-1, and the Badgers are ranked 19th in the AP Poll and 17th in the Coaches Poll.
Vegas: Wisconsin is a 32-point favorite.
Weather forecast: 74 and clear.
Two things at stake
Wisconsin could get people believing it’s the team to beat by a wide margin in the Big Ten West with another blowout win. A loss would raise doubts.
South Florida isn’t expected to win this game, but a win would be great for the program.
One big matchup
Wisconsin running game vs. South Florida defense: Wisconsin has struggled to throw the ball with safety-turned-quarterback Tanner McEvoy, but the Badgers have rarely had to throw with an outstanding offensive line and Heisman candidate Gordon. If South Florida is going to have any chance to win, the Bulls will have to stop the Badgers' running game. If they do, they might have a shot to stay in this one, but that looks very unlikely.
Further reading
Read Bucky’s 5th Quarter for more on Wisconsin and Voodoo Five for more on South Florida.
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