Wisconsin (might) control its own destiny to make 2024 Big Ten title game

Wisconsin improved to 4-2 on the 2024 season and 2-1 in Big Ten play with a dominant 42-7 win over Rutgers on Saturday.

The Badgers now ride a two-game winning streak with wins by a combined margin of 94-13. That hot streak has greatly improved the team’s standing after it started the season 2-2 and 0-1 in Big Ten play. The resurgence also has the group on a steady climb in ESPN’s FPI and SP+ metrics — creating a rest-of-season outlook that looks brighter by the week.

Related: ESPN FPI updates Wisconsin football win chances for remaining 2024 schedule after Week 7 win over Rutgers

This win streak is no fluke. The Badgers appear to have significantly improved in several key areas. One big driving factor: Luke Fickell’s group has finally built a clear identity. That includes dominating up front on offense, running the ball with Tawee Walker, connecting on explosive plays to WRs Vinny Anthony and Trech Kekahuna, and playing strong, sound, penalty-free defense.

Wisconsin’s on-field improvement has bowl eligibility now looking like a near certainty — an important status as Fickell works to build the program in his second year in charge. Notably, the improvement has also opened the possibility of a program-defining upset win over Penn State or Oregon when they visit Madison, Wisconsin later this fall.

Thanks to Oregon’s win over Ohio State on Saturday, that pair of potential upsets make it so Wisconsin controls its own destiny to make the Big Ten title game.*

*(Note: the tiebreakers become extremely confusing with half of the conference at either 3-0 or 2-1. This is the extent to how far into the different scenarios I’ve gotten. The declarative statement is that the Badgers ‘might’ control their own destiny to make the conference title game)

Current Big Ten Standings:

Indiana (3-0), Oregon (3-0), Penn State…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-might-control-own-destiny-131947590.html

Author : Badgers Wire

Publish date : 2024-10-14 13:19:47

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