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2021-2022 Big Ten West preview
Looking at the Big Ten conference as a whole, it's easy to see that the West division is extremely top-heavy.
With the Wisconsin Badgers and Iowa Hawkeyes controlling the Big Ten West recently, it's been hard for the other teams to mount a challenge. Big Ten fans could make a case for the Wisconsin Badgers, who have maintained their West division since the split. The Badgers have made it to five conference championship games since 2011.
The Big Ten has hosted ten conference championship games, and the Badgers have played in half of those. Other notable West teams that have made appearances in the Big Ten championship game are Iowa and Northwestern. It's been eight long years since a Big Ten West team won the conference.
Seven teams round out the Big Ten West.
Big Ten West
- Illinois Fighting Illini
- Iowa Hawkeyes
- Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Northwestern Wildcats
- Purdue Boilermakers
- Wisconsin Badgers
Northwestern put together an incredible 2020 season that led to a Big Ten conference championship appearance. Iowa is the favorite to represent the West in the 2021-2022 Big Ten championship game. The Hawkeyes will have to watch out for the Wisconsin Badgers, though.
Northwestern, meanwhile, has lost a lot of talent and is unlikely to be a threat this year.
Only one team has won the Big Ten championship in the last 10+ years. Wisconsin is the only team that has won the conference championship from the West division in the previous ten years.
The Iowa Hawkeyes won a share of the Big Ten during the 2004 season with the Michigan Wolverines. Illinois won the Big Ten outright during the 2001 season, finishing 7-1 in the conference. The Purdue Boilermakers haven't won the Big Ten since 2000, and they split that championship with Northwestern and Michigan.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers have the longest drought in of all of the Big Ten West. Minnesota hasn't won the Big Ten conference since the 1967 season.
Nebraska is the only team that has not won the conference championship. The Cornhuskers didn't join the Big Ten until the 2011 season, and they haven't had much success since.
The gap in talent between the Big Ten West and East divisions is unspeakable. Wisconsin, Iowa, and Northwestern are the only teams that have served as a threat to the East division.
After taking a look at the team teams that round out the West division, here's a deep dive into all the teams in the division.
Illinois Fighting Illini: Big Ten West
The Illinois Fighting Illini haven't had the best luck in the Big Ten in the previous ten seasons.
Illinois parted ways with head coach Lovie Smith this offseason. It will now enter a new era under former Arkansas and Wisconsin head coach Brett Bielema. It will be an uphill climb for Bielema, but he has had success in the Big Ten before with the Badgers.
Here's a look at the Illinois Fighting Illini's strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021-2022 season.
2021-2022 Big Ten West Conference preview: Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois strengths: The Fighting Illini rank towards the top of the Big Ten in the offensive linemen position. Illinois only ranks inside the Big Ten's top ten in one other position: running back. Doug Kramer is the leader of the Fighting Illini's offensive line.
Illinois weaknesses: Illinois ranks towards the bottom of the Big Ten in four different positions. Their passing attack is set up to finish towards the bottom of the FBS. The Fighting Illini rank dead last in the Big Ten at wide receiver and 12th at quarterback.
Illinois Fighting Illini key players: Offense
RB: Chase Brown - Illinois may rank towards the bottom at wide receiver but has an emerging talent at running back. Brown came on strong during the 2020 season, rushing for 540 yards and three touchdowns on 104 carries. It's not a ton of yards or touchdowns, but it's a step in the right direction.
C: Doug Kramer - Illinois will not have issues with protecting its quarterback, Brandon Peters. It's pretty evident the Fighting Illini's strength is their offensive line. Doug Kramer is one of the best offensive centers in the Big Ten heading into the 2021 season.
Illinois Fighting Illini Key kayers: Defense
CB: Devon Witherspoon - Illinois is ranked 14th in the Big Ten at the secondary positions. One corner has been consistent for the Fighting Illini since day one, and that's Devon Witherspoon, who has registered 41 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and two interceptions.
Edge: Isaiah Gay - Entering the 2021-22 season, Isaiah Gay is coming off a stellar 2020. He posted a career-high in sacks at 2.5. Gay did see dips in his production in tackles for loss and solo tackles, but he's still one of the bright spots on the Fighting Illini's defensive front.
2021-2022 Illinois Fighting Illini schedule
Week 0: Saturday, August 28 vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. UTSA Roadrunners
Week 2: Saturday, September 11 at Virginia Cavaliers
Week 3: Friday, September 17 vs. Maryland Terapins
Week 4: Saturday, September 25 at Purdue Boilermakers
Week 5: Saturday, October 2 vs. Charlotte 49ers
Week 6: Saturday, October 9 vs. Wisconsin Badgers
Week 7: Saturday, October 23 at Penn State Nittany Lions
Week 8: Saturday, October 30 vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Week 9: Saturday, November 9 at Minnesota Golden Gophers
Week 10: Saturday, November 20 at Iowa Hawkeyes
Week 11: Saturday, November 27 vs. Northwestern Wildcats
2021-2022 Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction (2-10 overall, 0-9 Big Ten)
Illinois has too many holes in its passing attack on offense. The Fighting Illini will win two non-conference games against UTSA and Charlotte. Unfortunately, Illinois will struggle majorly against Big Ten conference opponents, losing all nine Big Ten games in 2021.
Iowa Hawkeyes: Big Ten West
The Iowa Hawkeyes fell one game short of the Big Ten Championship game in 2020.
Iowa enters the 2021-2022 season as the favorite to represent the Big Ten West in the conference championship game. After the Hawkeyes lost their first two games last season, Iowa racked up six straight wins. Unfortunately, the Hawkeyes lost two games to Big Ten West teams, which hurt their chances at making the championship game.
There's a big question hanging over the Iowa Hawkeyes heading into the 2021 season. Can they live up to their preseason prediction of a Big Ten championship game appearance?
Here's a quick look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Iowa Hawkeyes heading into the 2021-2022 season.
2021-2022 Big Ten West Conference preview: Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa's strengths: The Iowa Hawkeyes are entering the 2021 season with a top-three secondary in the Big Ten. Another strength heading into the upcoming season is the Hawkeyes' offensive line. The two position groups rank in the top three of the Big Ten conference.
Iowa's weaknesses: The Hawkeyes have lost a lot of talent at wide receiver and Spencer Petras isn't the most accurate passer. This development tags the Iowa offense as the weakest area outside of their offensive line. Iowa ranks 13th at quarterback, 12th in receiving, and 9th at running back in the Big Ten.
Iowa Hawkeyes key players: Offense
C: Tyler Linderbaum - The Hawkeyes are returning the best offensive linemen in college football. Linderbaum started on the defensive side of the ball before making the jump to offense. Since making the jump, Linderbaum has flourished.
G: Kyler Schott - Former walk-on Kyler Schott suffered an injury that kept him on the sidelines for most of 2020. Schott only allowed one pressure after returning from injury.
Iowa Hawkeyes key players: Defense
CB: Riley Moss - Iowa has the perfect defensive scheme for Riley Moss. The Hawkeyes run a lot of zone coverage. Moss finished the 2020 season as one of the top zone corners in the Big Ten and college football.
CB: Xavior Williams - The Hawkeyes were handed a boost when Xavior Williams made the jump from the FCS to the Big Ten. Williams was one of the best cornerbacks for Northern Iowa. He's one of the many reasons behind the Hawkeyes' top-three rankings at corner in the Big Ten.
2021-2022 Iowas Hawkeyes schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. Indiana Hoosiers
Week 2: Saturday, September 11 at Iowa State Cyclones
Week 3: Saturday, September 18 vs. Kent State Golden Flashes
Week 4: Saturday, September 25 vs. Colorado State Rams
Week 5: Friday, October 1 at Maryland Terapins
Week 6: Saturday, October 9 vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
Week 7: Saturday, October 16 vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Week 8: Saturday, October 30 at Wisconsin Badgers
Week 9: Saturday, November 6 at Northwestern Wildcats
Week 10: Saturday, November 13 vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Week 11: Saturday, November 20 vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
Week 12: Friday, November 26 at Nebraska Cornhuskers
2021-2022 Iowa Hawkeyes prediction (10-2 overall, 8-1 Big Ten)
The Iowa Hawkeyes have a tough Week 2 matchup against in-state rival Iowa State. Iowa will only lose two games during the 2021 season, and Week 2 is one of those games. The Hawkeyes's second loss will likely be painful.
Iowa travels to Wisconsin on October 30. Both teams will be undefeated in Big Ten. The Hawkeyes will fall to the Badgers by less than a touchdown and miss the Big Ten Championship game again.
Minnesota Golden Gophers: Big Ten West
Minnesota is coming off one of the more disappointing Big Ten seasons in 2020. The Golden Gophers had high hopes heading into the 2020 season but the pandemic and opt-outs dented those hopes tremendously.
Minnesota lost its top wide receiver, Rashod Bateman, who took his talents to the NFL. The Golden Gophers enter the 2021 season with little chance of success, with PFF only giving Minnesota a 4% chance of winning the Big Ten. They'll open their season against the Ohio State Buckeyes at home.
Measured expectations will be key for the Golden Gophers this season. Here's a quick look at their strengths and weaknesses heading into the season.
2021-2022 Big Ten West Conference preview: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota's strengths: Minnesota is another Big Ten West team with tremendous talent on its offensive line. Offensively, Minnesota ranks in the top five in all offensive positions. The Golden Gophers also have the second-best running back position in the Big Ten.
Minnesota's weaknesses: It's easy to believe that the Minnesota Golden Gophers have a liability at the wide receiver position. The Golden Gophers lack depth out wide, which is a big problem. Their biggest weakness, though, is the secondary. Minnesota has the 11th-ranked secondary in the Big Ten heading into the 2021 season.
Minnesota Gold Gophers key players: Offense
RB: Mohamed Ibrahim - Minnesota will return senior running back Mohamed Ibrahim in 2021. Ibrahim has been massive for the Golden Gophers offense, rushing for over 1,000 yards in two of the three previous seasons. His 2020 season was his most successful, rushing for 15 touchdowns.
QB: Tanner Morgan - Morgan is another senior leader on offense for the Golden Gophers. Minnesota's quarterback had his best season in 2019 when he threw for 3,253 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. The Golden Gophers are hoping that Tanner Morgan can replicate his 2019 season this year.
Minnesota Golden Gophers key players: Defense
Edge: Boye Mafe - Minnesota's defensive line will be led by senior edge rusher Boye Mafe. The Golden Gophers senior set career highs with 18 solo tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2020. The sky is the limit for Mafe this year.
S: Justus Harris - Harris has been pegged as a breakout star of the year on defense. Justus Harris registered 14 solo tackles in 2020, but the Golden Gophers feel that he has untapped potential. He may be the only bright spot in one of the weakest secondaries in the Big Ten.
2021-2022 Minnesota Golden Gophers schedule
Week 1: Thursday, September 2 vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
Week 2: Saturday, September 11 vs. Miami Redhawks
Week 3: Saturday, September 18 at Colorado Buffaloes
Week 4: Saturday, September 25 vs. Bowling Green State Falcons
Week 5: Saturday, October 2 at Purdue Boilermakers
Week 6: Saturday, October 16 vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Week 7: Saturday, October 23 vs. Maryland Terapins
Week 8: Saturday, October 30 at Northwestern Wildcats
Week 9: Saturday, November 6 vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
Week 10: Saturday, November 13 at Iowa Hawkeyes
Week 11: Saturday, November 20 at Indiana Hoosiers
Week 12: Saturday, November 27 vs. Wisconsin Badgers
2021-2022 Minnesota Golden Gophers prediction (6-6 overall, 3-6 Big Ten)
Minnesota will have success against the lower half of the Big Ten West. The three Big Ten wins will come against Purdue, Illinois and Nebraska. The Golden Gophers should win their non-Big Ten conference games in 2021.
Nebraska Cornhuskers: Big Ten West
The Nebraska Cornhuskers had high hopes when they signed Scott Frost as their head coach, but those hopes turned out to be a touch too high.
Scott Frost returned to his alma mater after spending two seasons with UCF. His best season as head coach was in 2017 when UCF went undefeated. Since becoming head coach at Nebraska, Scott Frost has led the Cornhuskers to three straight losing seasons.
The 2021-2022 season could be the final one for Frost if Nebraska registers a fourth straight season with a losing record. Here's a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Nebraska Cornhuskers this season.
2021-2022 Big Ten West Conference preview: Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska's strengths: Nebraska's secondary has the opportunity to have a breakout season in 2021. Their second strength is the quarterback position. Adrian Martinez is entering his final season as the starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers and Nebraska's offense will only go as far as Martinez takes them.
Nebraska's weaknesses: Adrian Martinez is a strength and weakness for Nebraska. They need Martinez to have a massive season to win games in 2021. The Cornhuskers rank towards the bottom of the Big Ten at the offensive line and running back positions, which doesn't make life any easier for Martinez.
Nebraska Cornhuskers key players: Offense
QB: Adrian Martinez - Martinez has thrown for double-digit touchdowns in two out of his three seasons with Nebraska. He's yet to surpass the 3,000-passing-yard mark in a single season. If the Cornhuskers want to see wins and success on offense, they'll need Martinez to take his play to the next level.
WR: Zavier Betts - Betts showed potential during his freshman season even without posting massive numbers. Zavier Betts caught 12 passes for 131 receiving yards and one touchdown. His stats are uninspiring, but the eye test indicates he's as a potential breakout player in 2021.
Nebraska Cornhuskers key players: Defense
S: Deontai Williams - Nebraska's defense will be led by its safety, Deontai Williams. Williams had a successful 2020, posting 37 solo tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack.
DL: Ben Stille - Nebraska may rank bottom of the Big Ten at the defensive line position, but Ben Stille is a diamond in the rough. Stille has put together four incredible seasons at Nebraska. Entering his last season with the Cornhuskers, Ben Stille has recorded 49 solo tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.
2021-2022 Nebraska Cornhuskers schedule
Week 0: Saturday, August 28 at Illinois Fighting Illini
Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. Fordham Rams
Week 2: Saturday, September 11 vs. Buffalo Bulls
Week 3: Saturday, September 18 at Oklahoma Sooners
Week 4: Saturday, September 25 at Michigan State Spartans
Week 5: Saturday, October 2 vs. Northwestern Wildcats
Week 6: Saturday, October 9 vs. Michigan Wolverines
Week 7: Saturday, October 16 at Minnesota Golden Gophers
Week 8: Saturday, October 30 vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Week 9: Saturday, November 6 vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
Week 10: Saturday, November 20 at Wisconsin Badgers
Week 11: Friday, November 26 vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
2021-2022 Nebraska Cornhuskers Prediction (7-5 overall, 5-4 Big Ten)
Scott Frost will give the Nebraska Cornhuskers fan base a little hope when he leads the team to a winning record. Nebraska may not make it to the Big Ten Championship game, but it will play in a bowl game. Martinez will have a mediocre year and will do just enough to help the Cornhuskers offense win football games in the Big Ten.
Northwestern Wildcats: Big Ten West
The Northwestern Wildcats started the 2020 Big Ten season undefeated before losing on the road at Michigan State. Pat Fitzgerald led Northwestern to the Big Ten championship game in 2020.
Fitzgerald will now enter his 16th season as the Wildcats' head coach.
The Wildcats have lost a lot of talent on defense, with Greg Newsome II and Paddy Fisher heading to the NFL. They also lost starting quarterback Peyton Ramsey, who'll be a big miss.
Northwestern will enter the 2021 season with questions at quarterback. Here's a quick look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Northwestern Wildcats.
2021-2022 Big Ten West Conference preview: Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern's strengths: Despite losing their top cornerback to the NFL draft, Northwestern still has a lot of talent at corner. The Wildcats secondary ranks third in the Big Ten heading into the 2021 season. Northwestern's offensive line also ranks in the top ten in the Big Ten at number six.
Northwestern's weaknesses: To no one's surprise, the Northwestern offense will be the weakest part of the team. The Wildcats are bottom of the Big Ten in the quarterback and running back positions, and second to last in receiving outside of their offensive line. It's going to be a challenging time for Northwestern.
Northwestern Wildcats key players: Offense
C: Sam Gerak - Northwestern has struggled with consistency on the offensive line over the past two seasons. Gerak played a role in that inconsistency problem. He turned everything around during the 2020 season, though, when he didn't allow a single sack or hit on Peyton Ramsey.
WR: Stephon Robinson Jr. - Robinson made his way to Northwestern through the transfer portal. He played his first three years with the Kansas Jayhawks before attending Northwestern. Kansas isn't known for its success in football, but Robinson was a bright spot, catching 75 passes for 1,092 yards and nine touchdowns.
Northwestern Wildcats key players: Defense
CB: A.J. Hampton - Since his freshman season, A.J. Hampton has made massive improvements during his sophomore and junior years at Northwestern. Hampton enters the 2021 season with 29 solo tackles, four pass deflections and two interceptions. He's coming off back-to-back seasons with an interception.
S: Brandon Joseph - The leader of the Northwestern defensive secondary is safety Brandon Joseph. His improvements from his first year and second year are almost unheard of on defense. Joseph registered 26 solo tackles and six interceptions in 2020, which, compared to 2019, is a massive jump considering he only had four solo tackles and zero interceptions in 2019.
2021-2022 Northwestern Wildcats schedule
Week 1: Friday, September 3 vs. Michigan State Spartans
Week 2: Saturday, September 11 vs. Indiana State Sycamores
Week 3: Saturday, September 18 at Duke Blue Devils
Week 4: Saturday, September 25 vs. Ohio Bobcats
Week 5: Saturday, October 2 at Nebraska Cornhuskers
Week 6: Saturday, October 16 vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Week 7: Saturday, October 23 at Michigan Wolverines
Week 8: Saturday, October 30 vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Week 9: Saturday, November 6 vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
Week 10: Saturday, November 13 at Wisconsin Badgers
Week 11: Saturday, November 20 vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Week 12: Saturday, November 27 at Illinois Fighting Illini
2021-2022 Northwestern Wildcats prediction (9-3 overall, 6-3 Big Ten)
Northwestern may play one of the weaker Big Ten schedules in 2021. The Wildcats should win six out of nine Big Ten conference games. Their non-Big Ten games are not against elite football programs. The Wildcats play Ohio, Duke and Indiana State, which should be good tune-up games for Northwestern.
Purdue Boilermakers: Big Ten West
Purdue enters the 2021-2022 season as perhaps the most underrated team in the Big Ten conference.
The Boilermakers are entering the season with multiple options at the quarterback position. Jack Plummer and Aidan O'Connell both performed well above expectations in 2019 and 2020. Purdue lost its top talent on offense when Rondale Moore left for the NFL, which could be a reason for them being underrated. With decent talent to cover for Moore, Purdue should hold its own.
There are many positives for the Purdue Boilermakers heading into the upcoming season. Here's a quick look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Boilermakers.
2021-2022 Big Ten West Conference preview: Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue's strengths: The Boilermakers are highly underrated on offense heading into the 2021 season. Purdue has the second-best receiving group in the Big Ten even after losing Rondale Moore. Their offensive rankings are not a sign of a lack of talent by any means. The Boilermakers will have success moving the football in 2021.
Purdue's weaknesses: Purdue's three weakest spots are in critical positions. The Boilermakers are 13th in the Big Ten in secondary play, 10th in offensive line play, and ninth in the Big Ten in defensive line play. With loads of talent at wide receiver and running back, it could make for a long year defensively for Purdue.
Purdue Boilermakers key players: Offense
WR: David Bell - Bell enters his junior season as the Boilermakers' expansive receiver room leader. The junior wideout was on pace to break his freshman year receiving yards total before the 2020 season was cut short. In his previous two seasons at Purdue, David Bell has caught 139 passes for 1,660 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
WR: Milton Wright: Wright may not be as productive as David Bell, but he still holds his own on the field. The junior wideout caught 42 passes for 593 receiving yards and three touchdowns last year. Milton Wright did improve from 2019 and 2020 by playing four fewer games.
Purdue Boilermakers key players: Defense
Edge: George Karlaftis - Purdue's defensive front will give Big Ten quarterbacks problems in 2021. Karlaftis will be one of the main reasons for this with his excellent pass rush. The junior edge rusher enters the 2021 season with 33 solo tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
CB: Cory Trice - Trice played both corner and safety for the Purdue Boilermakers defense. The majority of his success over the last three years has been from safety. Cory Trice has recorded 58 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, three interceptions and one touchdown.
2021-2022 Purdue Boilermakers schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. Oregon State Beavers
Week 2: Saturday, September 11 at Connecticut Huskies
Week 3: Saturday, September 18 at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Week 4: Saturday, September 25 vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
Week 5: Saturday, October 2 vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Week 6: Saturday, October 16 at Iowa Hawkeyes
Week 7: Saturday, October 23 vs. Wisconsin Badgers
Week 8: Saturday, October 30 at Nebraska Cornhuskers
Week 9: Saturday, November 6 vs. Michigan State Spartans
Week 10: Saturday, November 13 at Ohio State Buckeyes
Week 11: Saturday, November 20 vs. Northwestern Wildcats
Week 12: Saturday, November 27 vs. Indiana Hoosiers
2021-2022 Purdue Boilermakers prediction (3-9 overall, 1-8 Big Ten)
Purdue will find success, but their defense will let them down more than pick them up in the end. The Boilermakers play a demanding schedule in the Big Ten and outside the Big Ten conference. Their lone victory in the Big Ten will come against Illinois.
Wisconsin Badgers: Big Ten West
The Wisconsin Badgers have been the most successful team in the Big Ten West since the conference split into two divisions.
After missing out on the Big Ten championship game in 2020, the Badgers will look to make another run in 2021. Wisconsin returns a lot of its key players this season, chief among them being quarterback Graham Mertz.
With the Badgers returning key pieces, here's a quick look at Wisconsin's strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021-2022 season.
2021-2022 Big Ten West Conference preview: Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin's strengths: Wisconsin enters the season ranked third in the Big Ten Conference in quarterback and offensive line talent. Graham Mertz will have enough time to fix himself a sandwich with the Badgers' offensive line protecting him.
Wisconsin weaknesses: The Badgers will struggle on the outside on defense. Their defensive secondary ranks tenth in the Big Ten. Developing a pass rush is critical for the Badgers, but their defensive line barely cracked the top ten in the Big Ten.
Wisconsin Badgers key players: Offense
QB: Graham Mertz - Wisconsin returns its top offensive talent, Graham Mertz. When Mertz has time to throw the football, he's one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten. With the Badgers' massive offensive line, having time to throw the ball will be the least of Graham Mertz's worries.
TE: Jake Ferguson - Ferguson has been the most reliable target for all the Wisconsin Badgers quarterbacks. He caught 99 passes in his three years at Wisconsin. Jake Ferguson has also recorded four receiving touchdowns twice during his time with the Badgers. Look for the senior tight end to have a big year in 2021.
Wisconsin Badgers key players: Defense
LB: Jack Sanborn - After appearing in just four games in his freshman season, Jack Sanborn has grown into a leader for the Badgers defense. Sanborn enters his senior season with 85 solo tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and four interceptions.
LB: Leo Chenal - Wisconsin has had excellent luck with the linebacker position in recent years. Leo Chenal is another example of the talent the Badgers have been able to produce. Chenal registered 44 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks and one interception during the 2020 season.
2021-2022 Wisconsin Badgers schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
Week 2: Saturday, September 11 vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles
Week 3: Saturday, September 25 vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Week 4: Saturday, October 2 vs. Michigan Wolverines
Week 5: Saturday, October 9 at Illinois Fighting Illini
Week 6: Saturday, October 16 vs. Army Black Knights
Week 7: Saturday, October 23 at Purdue Boilermakers
Week 8: Saturday, October 30 vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
Week 9: Saturday, November 6 at Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Week 10: Saturday, November 13 vs. Northwestern Wildcats
Week 11: Saturday, November 20 vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Week 12: Saturday, November 27 at Minnesota Golden Gophers
2021-2022 Wisconsin Badgers prediction (11-1 overall, 9-0 Big Ten)
Wisconsin will face a big test to open the season against Penn State and Notre Dame. The Badgers should split the two games by beating Penn State but losing to Notre Dame. Wisconsin will not face another test until they welcome Iowa on October 30. The winner of that game will determine who represents the Big Ten West in the Big Ten championship game.
