The Washington Huskies had a much-needed week off and now find themselves ranked No. 23 in the College Football Playoff committee’s first rankings of the 2025 season. The 6–2 Dawgs now look to do something they haven’t done since their trip to Pullman—roll an inferior team on the road.
The Wisconsin Badgers are down bad. They’re averaging just over five points per game and less than 3.5 yards per carry.
If you had a time machine and went back to Luke Fickell’s final days in 2022—when Wisconsin hired him—and told anyone where the Badgers sit now, no one would believe you. It simply hasn’t materialized for a coach who was so coveted after taking Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff.
This season is unacceptable in Madison; however, the Badgers have drawn a brutal schedule. Heading into their matchup with Washington, Wisconsin has faced the toughest slate in the country according to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI). They’ve already played Alabama, Maryland, Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, and Oregon—and they still have Washington, Indiana, and Illinois ahead. Seven of those teams have been, or currently are, ranked.
Washington is favored by 11.5 points heading into Camp Randall, traditionally one of the toughest venues in college football. The Huskies haven’t played well on the road, but Wisconsin has been brutal to watch—especially on offense.
Matchup to Watch: Washington’s O-line vs. Wisconsin’s Front Seven
On a rainy day in Eugene, the Badgers managed to keep things close with the Ducks. Oregon scored just one touchdown in the first half—even after successfully recovering an onside kick to open the game. Wisconsin’s linebackers and defensive line put consistent pressure on the Ducks’ front and kept the contest competitive throughout.
This Saturday, it’s shaping up to be a typical Northwest-style day in the Midwest—low 40s with up to two-tenths of an inch of rain. The Badgers will try to force the Huskies to beat them through the air. The problem? Washington has a quarterback who can beat you with both his arm and his legs.
Even better for the Huskies, Demond Williams Jr. now has a solidified offensive line that looks much improved with John Mills and Carver Willis back in the starting lineup. With another week of rest and recovery, the line should once again be a strength.
The Huskies are too explosive on offense to be contained for an entire afternoon when their O-line is intact. On the other side of the ball, the Badgers don’t have much of an offense to speak of—two field goals might be enough to raise their points-per-game average in conference play.
Prediction
The Wisconsin Badgers will raise their points-per-game average. That will be their only silver lining. The Huskies’ offensive line will control the line of scrimmage, paving the way for a rested Jonah Coleman and an efficient passing attack from Demond Williams Jr.
Washington rolls, 35–9.
