Badgers Wire staff predicts Wisconsin vs. Western Illinois in Week 2

Coming off an expected, but still deflating Week 1 loss, the Wisconsin Badgers have a chance to redeem themselves.

With the spread heavily in their favor, one can only imagine the kind of damage Luke Fickell and Co. can do against this Western Illinois team if they play to their full potential.

Every Badgers Wire staff writer correctly predicted against the Badgers last week, and to no surprise, they've all offered their predictions this week, believing UW will earn its first win of the year here in Week 2 against a 1-1 Leathernecks team.

There doesn't seem to be a world where the Badgers lose this game, but if they do, Fickell is in big trouble. A second-half meltdown against a National Championship contender is one thing, but this right here would be another. At the end of the day, I think Mason Posa and this defense are going to absolutely dominate, and this is the perfect week for Colton Joseph to run all over a defense, along with getting Abu Sama and the rest of this running game on track.

I think Wisconsin wins and runs away with this one. I think a better and healthier UW team than last year takes the opportunity to pounce on an outmatched team. The Badgers get up early, and we see backups finish the game for Wisconsin.

There will be some pent-up frustration from how last week's second half went, especially from the offense. There are two clear wins over the next two games, and the Badgers should handle this one with ease.

Wisconsin shouldn't have a problem bouncing back from their Week 1 loss to Notre Dame, especially with Western Illinois coming to home turf. I expect the Badgers to establish the run early, get Colton Joseph and the passing game some confidence, and give the defense a chance to settle in after the strong first half against Notre Dame. The Badgers should pull away quickly and cruise to a comfortable victory, though I wouldn't be surprised if the starters get some rest in the second half.

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