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After a 41-13 loss to Notre Dame that left more questions than answers, Wisconsin turns its attention to Week 2 and an FCS opponent. Coach Luke Fickell said “The season starts now,” but with his record at 17-22 in Madison, the program faces a short leash and a demanding fan base.
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Expectation is clear: the Badgers must dominate. Public lines reflect that belief — FanDuel opened Wisconsin as a 36.5-point favorite, and ESPN’s FPI pegs their win probability at 99 percent.
If Wisconsin fails to control an FCS side in Madison, the reaction from supporters and local media will be sharp. The Notre Dame loss was decisive, and a lackluster showing in Week 2 would only deepen frustration.
Will the offensive line settle down?
The trenches were a mixed bag against Notre Dame. Four of five starters were available, and three — Kevin Heywood, Austion Kawecki and Colin Cubberly — held up well against elite pass rushers.
But there were notable problems. Left tackle PJ Wilkins struggled in pass protection at times, yielding a few critical negative plays. The right guard spot became a carousel, with Stylz Blackmon and Blake Cherry sharing snaps and neither consistently handling the Irish front.
Wisconsin will likely open with its current starters if it builds an early lead and then rotate in backups. Coach Fickell also said that starter Emerson Mandell could be back within the next two weeks, a timeline that, if met, would ease personnel questions at guard.
Is Malachi Coleman really emerging as a WR1?
Sunday night at Lambeau Field, Malachi Coleman led the team with four catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. His combination of height, speed and clean route-running stood out against a top opponent.
Against an overmatched FCS defense, Coleman should have the chance to put up significant numbers. He does not need to replicate the Notre Dame line exactly, but another big performance would support the idea that he can be Wisconsin’s primary receiving threat all season.
