Michigan @ Wisconsin preview
Camp Randall Stadium
Last Meeting ( Oct 13, 2018 ) Wisconsin 13, Michigan 38
Tenth-ranked Michigan looks to record its first win in Madison in 18 years when it visits No. 14 Wisconsin to open up Big Ten play on Saturday. The Wolverines, who have lost an NCAA-worst five fumbles this season, sweated out a 24-21 double overtime victory against Army and hope to have made the proper adjustments on their bye week, as they search for just their second road win against a ranked opponent since 2006.
"We're just looking to go out there and make a statement it's as simple as that," Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson told reporters. "At the end of the day the only people we feel like can stop us is us." Wisconsin looks to continue its sparkling start to the season after outscoring its first two opponents by a combined 110-0 - the first team to score over 100 points and allow none for the first time since South Carolina did it in 1980. The Badgers shut out South Florida on the road 49-0 before blanking Central Michigan 61-0, and the nation's top-ranked defense hopes to shut down the Wolverines' new spread attack while avenging a 38-13 loss in Ann Arbor last season. "We're excited to get going with Big Ten play and face a well-coached and talented Michigan team," Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst told reporters. "I like where we're at right now and I like where we're at going into this game."
TV: Noon ET, FOX. LINE: Wisconsin -3.5
ABOUT MICHIGAN (2-0): Patterson, who has recovered from an oblique injury which hampered his throwing motion in the first two games, was limited to 207 yards on 19-of-29 passing to go along with two lost fumbles in the win against Army. Zach Charbonnet was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week after he rushed for 100 yards and three touchdowns against the Black Knights while Ronnie Bell hauled in a game-high seven catches for 81 yards. Left tackle John Runyan Jr. is expected to play on Saturday after missing the previous two games with an unspecified injury while wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (high-ankle sprain) and running back Tru Wilson (wrist) are questionable.
ABOUT WISCONSIN (2-0): Jack Coan had a career afternoon against Central Michigan as he completed 26-of-33 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns to win his fourth straight start dating back to last season. Heisman hopeful Jonathan Taylor continued his sizzling start to the campaign, rushing for 102 yards and three scores to go along with a TD reception against the Chippewas to take his season total to eight touchdowns. Freshman nose tackle Keeanu Benton will deputize once more for Bryson Williams, who will miss his second straight game with a leg issue while right tackle Logan Bruss is questionable with a lower-body injury.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Wisconsin has won five consecutive home meetings with Michigan.
2. The Wolverines have won 12 of their last 13 Big Ten openers.
3. Taylor has rushed for over 100 yards in 24 of his 29 career games.
PREDICTION: Michigan 28, Wisconsin 24