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Wisconsin heads into Homecoming against Michigan State with momentum after an encouraging start to the season. The Spartans will be without running back Cam Edwards for the rest of the year, and that absence reshapes the matchup at Camp Randall.
Front seven versus the Michigan State run game
Edwards’ injury removes the most dangerous element from Michigan State’s offense and puts pressure on its depth at running back. That change turns the spotlight to Wisconsin’s defensive front.
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The Badgers throttled Penn State on the ground last weekend, holding the Nittany Lions to about 3.3 yards per carry. Wisconsin’s ability to control the line of scrimmage kept the game close into the fourth quarter and will be a blueprint here.
If linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano continue to play at a high level, they can force Michigan State into more passing downs than it prefers. With the Spartans likely to mix multiple backs into the rotation, the Badgers’ front must stay disciplined and finish tackles.
Secondary versus Alessio Milivojevic
Once the run is contained, the next test is whether Wisconsin’s defensive backs can challenge Michigan State’s young quarterback, Alessio Milivojevic.
The Badgers’ secondary showed strong form recently, limiting Rocco Becht to 12 completions on 29 attempts for 114 yards. Replicating that sort of disruption against Milivojevic would significantly tilt the game in Wisconsin’s favor.
Milivojevic has flashed potential in earlier games but has also struggled against stronger opponents. At Notre Dame he completed 9 of 17 passes for 123 yards with two interceptions, and against Nebraska he finished 18 of 26 for 208 yards with another pick. Those results suggest he can be unsettled in hostile environments.
Wisconsin’s defensive backs also produced an interception in Happy Valley when Charles Perkins came down with a tipped pass. If the Badgers can pressure Milivojevic into tight throws and turnovers, Michigan State could face a long afternoon in Madison.
Colton Joseph versus himself
Offensively, Wisconsin’s most intriguing storyline is the performance of transfer quarterback Colton Joseph. His recent games have been a mix of high upside and risky decisions.
In one matchup he threw three interceptions — including a pick-six and another turnover that led directly to a touchdown — yet rebounded late to help secure a key victory. That resilience was promising, but the turnovers remain a concern.
This week offers a chance for Joseph to settle into a cleaner rhythm against a defense that, on paper, looks less imposing than some opponents he has faced. Still, the bigger battle may be internal: avoiding forced throws and trusting the run and defense to create opportunities.
Fans have clearly warmed back up to the program, and a lively crowd at Camp Randall will raise expectations. For Wisconsin to protect its start in conference play, Joseph will need to limit mistakes and play within the offense’s strengths so the defense doesn’t have to compensate for self-inflicted damage.
