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Wisconsin’s upset at No. 13 Penn State injected energy into a season that has mostly tested the program. The Badgers return home for their homecoming game against Michigan State, a matchup that will quickly reveal whether the win was a turning point or a temporary high.
After losing several games earlier in the season, coach Luke Fickell’s team has been through repeated setbacks. That history of bouncing back from defeats is established; how Wisconsin responds after a signature victory is the new question.
“Stay humble or be humbled”
Linebacker Cooper Catalano said defensive coach Mike Tress spoke bluntly to the unit after the Penn State game: “stay humble or be humbled.” Catalano added the team is still learning from that performance and trying to build on it.
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Wisconsin’s homecoming matchup with Michigan State: three predictions
Defense set the tone
Wisconsin’s defense dominated in State College. The scoreboard and box score give an incomplete picture — the Badgers frequently stopped drives and kept Penn State from finding sustained rhythm.
That defensive showing is the foundation Wisconsin will lean on again. If the front seven controls the line of scrimmage, the Badgers can dictate tempo and protect whatever edge they gained last week.
Michigan State matchup
On paper, Michigan State’s offense has struggled, and the Spartans lost tailback Cam Edwards for the season. That absence reduces their playmaking options and could make it easier for Wisconsin to impose its defense.
Still, Michigan State’s defense has been inconsistent. It held Notre Dame to 27 points, which stood out, but it also allowed 20 to Toledo and 31 to Nebraska. Nationally, the Spartans rank about 63rd against the run (roughly 124 rushing yards allowed per game) and 48th against the pass (around 190 yards allowed per game).
The Spartans might also be without linebacker Jordan Hall, which would be another blow. Even so, wide receiver Eugene Hilton Jr. urged caution, saying, “They’re obviously a great defense, Big Ten team. You’re never gonna just have freebies.”
Wisconsin enters the contest as the favorite, and a win would leave the Badgers 4-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play. A loss, however, would quickly erase the momentum from State College and test how focused and committed this team really is.
All eyes will be on how dialed in Wisconsin appears on game day; the answer should become clear by Saturday morning.
