The aroma of football lingers in the air and the Wisconsin Badgers haven’t lost a season opener since the Clinton administration.
Bucky and company have reeled off 15 straight season-opening wins and hold the nation’s third-longest active streak in FBS (trailing only Nebraska-27 and Florida-23.)
There isn’t much doubt regarding the streak reaching 16 because the Minutemen of UMASS come in to Camp Randall in the midst of only their second season as an official FBS football program. The better question would be determining whether UMASS can figure out how to put up any points at all.
UMASS Minutemen (0-0) Analysis: In their god-awful debut season, the Minutemen went 1-11 and probably shouldn’t have won any games at all. They were lucky enough to clip Akron 22-14 on the road, but were manhandled by all the other foes on their schedule. I really wasn’t joking in the intro when I said it’s possible they won’t score at all as this team was shut out on three different occasions last year. UMASS is a young team led by sophomore quarterback Mike Wegzyn (pictured above) and their only football claim to fame is being the alma mater for current New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz.
Coach’s Quote of the Week: “I know it’s going to get loud and we will be playing a good football team, but that’s what we are trying to do – measure ourselves against the best teams in the country.” – UMASS HC Charley Molnar
Wisconsin Badgers (0-0) Analysis: The dilemma in Madison is whether the Badgers can sustain success despite a complete overhaul of the coaching staff. It’s no secret that the Badgers have been the Big Ten’s darling over the past three seasons while making an appearance in three straight Rose Bowls. New Head Coach Gary Andersen takes over for Bret Bielema – who bolted to Arkansas – and looks to elevate the program to the next level, possibly winning one of those significant bowl games.
Coach’s Quote of the Week: “Yes, please Saturday come here as fast as possible.” – UW HC Gary Andersen
Brutally Honest Prediction: Wisconsin 56 UMASS 14
The game will never be in doubt. It will be far more interesting to see the changes Andersen and his coaching staff have implemented during their short tenure with the team. The defense should look more aggressive and the offense a little more colorful. I expect sophomore Joel Stave to be the starting quarterback with running backs James White/Melvin Gordon showing off their impressive repertoire of skills on a hot day at Camp Randall.
TV Coverage: Big Ten Network @ 11:00 AM; Wayne Larrivee (play-by-play) and Jon Jansen (analyst) on the call
Betting Lines: Wisconsin by -44.5 points and over/under at 53 points.
2012 Record straight up: 11-3 (not bad!)
2012 Record against the spread: 5-8 (needs improvement)
2012 Record in over/under: 10-3 (winning!)
What do you think will be the outcome when the Minutemen visit the Badgers this weekend? Let me know by commenting below.
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. He also enjoys sharing Fantasy Advice and pretends to be a Golf expert from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best. If social media is not your thing, shoot him an email at grays@uwalumni.com.
*Pictures obtained from Wisconsin Football Facebook Page and Maroonmusket.com.