As a longtime Badgers fan and college football analyst, I've spent the better part of two decades studying what makes this program tick. When I first looked at Wisconsin's 2023 schedule, my immediate thought was that this season represents something far more significant than just another campaign - it's what I'd call a genuine acid test for the program's identity. Much like how the Cool Smashers in volleyball must stick to their roots to overcome challenges, the Badgers face a similar crucible where returning to their fundamental identity might just be their greatest strength.
Let me walk you through what makes this schedule particularly fascinating. The season kicks off on September 2nd against Buffalo at Camp Randall - what should be a comfortable 34-10 type victory to build confidence. But the real tests come quickly. Week 2 brings Washington State to Madison, and having watched them last season, I can tell you they're no pushover. Their air raid offense could genuinely challenge our secondary early. Then comes the gauntlet: at Washington in Week 3. I've circled this one as potentially season-defining. Playing in that environment against a Pac-12 contender will reveal everything about this team's character before we even hit conference play.
What strikes me about this schedule is how perfectly it sets up to test Wisconsin's traditional identity. The October stretch is particularly brutal - three away games in four weeks, including trips to Illinois and Indiana before the massive showdown at Ohio State on October 28th. I've been to Columbus for night games, and let me tell you, the atmosphere is unlike anything in college football. The Buckeyes return 15 starters from last year's playoff team, and their offensive line averages 6'5", 315 pounds - those aren't just numbers, they're mountains our defensive front must move.
Here's where the "sticking to roots" philosophy becomes crucial. Wisconsin's identity has always been built on controlling the line of scrimmage, establishing the run game, and playing fundamentally sound defense. In recent years, I've noticed us drifting somewhat from that blueprint, trying to keep up with the offensive explosions happening across the Big Ten. But this schedule, with its particular challenges, almost demands we return to what made Wisconsin football special in the first place.
Take the running game, for instance. Last season we averaged 4.8 yards per carry - respectable but not the dominant 5.5+ we saw during our best years. With Braelon Allen returning and Chez Mellusi healthy, I'm expecting us to recommit to establishing that physical presence. Against teams like Iowa and Minnesota later in the season, that ground-and-pound approach could be the difference in cold weather games where passing becomes difficult.
The November schedule presents its own unique challenges. Home games against Northwestern and Nebraska should be wins if we play to our potential, but that road trip to Minnesota on November 25th worries me. They've closed the talent gap considerably, and their defensive coordinator has historically given our offense trouble. I've attended the last five meetings between these rivals, and each one has been decided by an average of just 6.2 points.
What I find most compelling about this schedule is how it builds toward defining moments. The home finale against Nebraska on November 18th could very well determine whether we reach the Big Ten Championship game. Last year's matchup was decided by a field goal as time expired, and I suspect this year's edition will be equally tense.
From my perspective, success this season hinges on embracing our identity rather than abandoning it when facing adversity. When we play Ohio State, we can't get drawn into a shootout that plays to their strengths. When we face spread offenses like Washington State's, we need to trust our defensive fundamentals rather than overhauling our scheme. This philosophy of sticking to what you do best, even when tested, is what separates good teams from great ones.
The reality is Wisconsin faces six teams that made bowl games last season, including three that won nine or more games. According to my calculations, our opponents combined for a 58% winning percentage in 2022 - one of the toughest slates we've faced in recent memory. But here's what gives me confidence: Wisconsin football at its best embodies the very concept of sticking to roots that the Cool Smashers reference demonstrates. When we play Wisconsin football - physical, disciplined, relentless - we can compete with anyone.
I remember watching the 2017 team that went 13-1, and what made them special wasn't flashy schemes but their unwavering commitment to who they were. They averaged 37.6 points per game while allowing just 13.9, numbers that reflect perfect execution of a clear identity. This year's team has the opportunity to write a similar story if they embrace the challenges this schedule presents with the confidence that comes from knowing exactly who you are.
As the season progresses, I'll be watching for how we handle adversity. When we inevitably face setbacks - whether an early deficit against Ohio State or a tough road environment at Minnesota - that's when our commitment to Wisconsin football will be tested. The teams that succeed in these situations aren't the ones who reinvent themselves, but those who double down on what they do best. That's the lesson I hope this team embraces as they navigate one of the most challenging schedules in recent memory.