Does Wisconsin even have a chance?

For the first time ever, Wisconsin is playing AT Alabama. The 3 previous meetings were twice in Camp Randall and once in Jerry’s World. This is a once in a lifetime roadtrip. If only this Badgers team resembled one from the Alverez era. Where the program is right now, no one is giving Wisconsin a chance. 

Game Preview: Alabama

Wisconsin at 19 Alabama

Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa AL

When: Saturday, 9/13 – 11:00 AM (CST)

How to Watch: ABC

Spread: Alabama -20.5

O/U: 46.5

Vegas Projected Score: 34 – 13, Alabama over Wisconsin

Alabama Crimson Tide’s Current Record: 1-1
Only win is over Louisiana-Monroe (ULM)

Injuries

The Game is 3 days away, but it is already defined by injuries.

Wisconsin Injuries

There are 2 big ones. 

QB – Billy Edwards Jr. – Knee sprain in Week 1
When Billy went down in week 1, there were fears the 2025 season was a wash. But there was a certainty that the Bama game wasn’t even worth playing. Then Danny came out in week 2 and was nearly perfect. 85% completion, 3 TDs, 283 yards, and 1 INT that wasn’t his fault. 

When I went to the Wisconsin Spring game, Danny looked like the better QB. I only have a 2 game sample size, but I don’t think missing Billy is a deathblow. 

Center – Jake Renfro – Undisclosed
This is the one that matters. The backup Center, Kerry Kodanko, was out-physicalled by Middle Tennessee. He doesn’t stand a chance against Bama D-Linemen. Kerry was also atrocious at snapping the ball, something that has never been an issue for Jake. 

Fickell was surprised Renfro couldn’t play in week 2. That makes me think he was close, and should be good to go for Saturday. I hope I’m right, because I think Wisconsin doesn’t stand a chance without Jake at Center. 

Alabama Injuries

The Crimson Tide has 4 guys who are “day-to-day” according to head coach Kalen DeBoer. These would be massive impact players if Alabama gets them back. OR a massive sigh of relief for Wisconsin if they can’t play.

RB – Jam Miller 
Starting RB. 9 carries for 71 yards and 1 TD vs Wisconsin in 2024. Dislocated collarbone in August practice. 

WR – Ryan Williams
Widely considered the 2nd best WR in the country this preseason after OSU’s Jeremiah Smith. Concussion in the 4th quarter in the week 1 loss to Florida State.

DT – Tim Keenan
Bama’s best and most experienced D-Lineman. Lower body injury in August practice.

EDGE –  Jah-Marien Latham
6th-year senior and starter. Left leg injury in the 4th quarter at Florida State. 

The two that interest me the most are Miller and Keenan. Bama was dreadful running the ball without Miller against FSU. Wisco should be able to stop the run if Miller is still out. Keenan was a preseason all-American, and with Wisconsin’s questions on the interior of the OL, I do not want to see him on the field. 

Gameflow Predictions

Danny O’Neil plays respectably overall, but throws 1-2 dumb INTs due to his inexperience vs elite competition and having never played in this intense of a road environment. 

Wisconsin again struggles to run the ball with their RBs. The interior of the OL isn’t good enough vs Bama.

A few gadget runs to TEs and WRs work well and convert key 3rd downs. 

The Badgers’ pass rush is legit. Alabama QB Ty Simpson is sacked 3+ times and looks uncomfortable for most of the game. Louisville transfer Mason Reiger records at least one of the sacks. 

Alabama struggles to run the ball (to their standard) with a hobbled Jam Miller or inexperienced backups. The Tide have 100-150 yards rushing.

Wisconsin’s LT and RT have very little experience in their new positions. They give up 3 sacks combined.

Bucky’s undersized CBs get picked on, allowing 250+ passing yards from Ty Simpson due to a few big chunk plays. 

Wisconsin’s safeties are given the green light to be aggressive and jump routes. Preston Zachman gets his 3rd INT of 2025.

What does this lead to?

This is a defensive battle that is ugly to watch. Alabama is clearly the better team, but both squads struggle to score all game. Wisconsin will get burned a few times just due to a lack of speed on defense. The Badger offense moves the ball, but can’t get in the endzone without a run game. 

Final Score:

Alabama 23
Wisconsin 9

Wisconsin covers +20.5.
The total goes Under 46.5.

Want more Walk On Fan? 

Check out our Badgers Week 2 Recap.

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This article was written by Cole Tollison and edited by Hayden Breene