The Wisconsin Badgers open their 2025 football season at home against the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks on Thursday night.
While the nonconference matchup appears to be one of the easier ones on Wisconsin’s schedule, Miami (Ohio) is the projected best team in the MAC entering the year, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. The program has made bowl games in five consecutive non-COVID seasons, highlighted by 20 combined wins over the last two years and back-to-back trips to the MAC title game.
Wisconsin somewhat struggled against MAC teams to open both the 2023 and 2024 campaigns. That poor form forecasted significant struggles to come, especially last season. A decisive win over Miami (Ohio), a strong Group of Five opponent, would have the opposite effect. It would positively impact the team’s outlook against what is considered the nation’s top-ranked 2025 schedule.
The result of the contest will inevitably be compared to those two recent openers, for better or for worse.
With kickoff between the new-look Badgers and visiting RedHawks fast approaching, here are Wisconsin’s biggest keys to a decisive victory.
Let Dilin Jones and the offensive line control the game
Wisconsin’s first key to a decisive victory is simple. Jeff Grimes’ new-look offense needs to control the game on the ground and lean into its clear strength — its running back room. The team could still win without a dominant showing on the ground. But when we project forward, especially to the Big Ten schedule, run-game dominance will be required.
Jones, Darrion Dupree and Cade Yacamelli should all receive double-digit touches during the contest. They should also drive the team’s red-zone and short-yardage offense.
Display the revamped pass-rush and defensive front seven
Wisconsin was among the worst in the country last season at pressuring the opposing quarterback….
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Publish date : 2025-08-26 14:21:00
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