Wisconsin Football: Ranking the Badgers' Remaining Schedule

Russell Wilson and the fourth ranked Wisconsin Badgers have steamrolled opponents on their way to a 5-0 start.

With their showdown against Nebraska in the books, the Badgers enter their bye week riding high.

There’s no question that Wisconsin is one of the nation’s elite teams, but the question now becomes whether or not they can make it through the Big Ten schedule with their perfect record intact.

Click through the slideshow to see how difficult the Badgers’ remaining slate is, starting with their easiest matchup. 

Oct. 15: Indiana

If the Big Ten had contracted this season instead of adding Nebraska, the Hoosiers would have been the first to go.

Indiana’s lone win this season came against FCS South Carolina State, and they’ve lost at home to Ball State and Sun Belt cellar-dweller North Texas.

Consider it a victory for the Hoosiers if they can hold the Badgers to under 50 points next weekend. 

Nov. 12: Minnesota

Indiana might be the first to go in Big Ten contraction, but Minnesota wouldn’t be far behind.

A new stadium and a new coach have failed to pay dividends for the Gophers, who are 1-4, with losses at home to FCS North Dakota State and New Mexico State.

Like the Hoosiers, the Gophers will be lucky if they keep the Badgers from burning out the scoreboard. 

Nov. 5: Purdue

Only the Hoosiers and the Gophers are keeping Purdue from residing in the Big Ten’s basement.

The Boilermakers only wins this year have come against FCS Southwest Missouri State and 1-3 Middle Tennessee State, and they were blown out at home last weekend against the Irish.

If you put Drew Brees back under center, the Badgers would still roll in West Lafayette come early November. 

Nov. 26: Penn State

If the Badgers had to travel to Happy Valley to finish their season, this game might be close.

In Madison, the Nittany Lions don’t stand a chance.

Joe Paterno’s two-quarterback system has been a bust, and if the Badgers hit double-digits in their last regular season contest, they should have no problem leaving the field with a win. 

Oct. 29: Ohio State

Ohio State has struggled mightily in their first season A.T. (After Tressel), but they are still the Buckeyes, and that means a roster loaded with NFL-caliber talent.

However, like Penn State, the Buckeyes don’t have a quarterback.

A nationally televised night game at the 'Shoe might help keep things close, but expect the Badgers to emerge victorious.

Oct. 22: Michigan State

Mark Dantonio's squad suffered a bit of a hiccup earlier this season in South Bend, but they are still a very good team with a veteran quarterback in Kirk Cousins and arguably the Big Ten’s best defense.

The Badgers’ date with Sparty is also a night game on the road, and you can bet that East Lansing will be rocking.

Michigan State knows that a second loss would likely kill their BCS chances, so expect them to bring their A-game against Wisconsin.

Nov. 19: Illinois

The Illini (5-0) are off to their best start since Dick Butkus was roaming the field in Champaign, and quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase is probably the Big Ten’s most underrated player.

The Badgers don’t face Illinois until late November, but if both teams remain unbeaten, this is a game that could have major national title implications.

Wisconsin is the better team, but anything can happen—especially on the road.