Wisconsin Badgers are one of the better second-tier programs in college football. They’re not at the elite tier of Ohio State in the Big Ten, but they’re the class of that second tier. Michigan, Penn State, Michigan State, Iowa have not had the year in, year out success that Wisconsin has had. Despite that, they have not made the college football playoff. Wisconsin has come close multiples times, but they’ve been tripped up along the way. This year might offer the perfect time for Wisconsin to reach the College Football Playoff.

Wisconsin Badgers’ schedule is unknown at this time. But what is known is that Wisconsin will be avoiding Notre Dame and Appalachian State in the non-conference. Notre Dame is expected to be a top ten team next season. That game would have been a clash of titans. It is disappointing to have it wiped from the schedules, yet, it benefits Wisconsin in a major way. The Appalachian State game would not have been easy. They’re one of the best mid-major teams in college football. With Michigan on the schedule the following week, that game screams it’s 2:00 pm and you’re telling all your friends to turn on ESPN because Wisconsin might lose. It is a huge plus to avoid these two.

Equally big is not having to play Ohio State. As I pointed out yesterday, Ohio State should not be Wisconsin’s 10th opponent. They played last year twice. Ohio State could be the best team in the country. Wisconsin will likely have to beat the Buckeyes to get into the playoff. Maybe Paul Chryst can finally figure out Urban Meyer and Ryan Day? Ohio State would also have to play a rigid schedule with Penn State, Michigan, and Michigan State all in the first six weeks. You never know with 2020.

One thing that could make things difficult is Penn State. Wisconsin could very well find themselves playing the Nittany Lions this Fall. Remember Wisconsin’s 10th game would likely be Penn State or Rutgers, talk about a difference on the spectrum. If Badgers’ luck breaks the wrong way, this likely means a home game against Sean Clifford and a dynamic Penn State game. That does make things harder for Wisconsin, but not an impossible feat by any means.

While not having the non-conference is difficult, think of it as a door opening up slightly for a Badgers’ team that will have some hype heading into the season. Hopefully, they can bust through it.

Charlie.