What to Know About Wisconsin Ahead of Alabama's Week 3 Matchup

Alabama has an intriguing non-conference road game on Saturday as it travels north to face Wisconsin. The Crimson Tide and Badgers have faced off twice in their school histories, most recently in 2015, when Alabama won 35-17 in a neutral-site game in Arlington, Texas.

Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is in his second year with the program and hopes to build on last year's 7-6 finish. Under offensive coordinator Phil Longo, the Badgers are attempting to transition from the run-heavy, defense-first mindset the program has employed for decades to more of an up-tempo, spread offense.

The Badgers added Tyler Van Dyke, a three-year starter at Miami, via the transfer portal this year to take over as the team's quarterback. It's been an underwhelming start to the season for Van Dyke, with just 6.4 yards per attempt and one touchdown through two games. The reality is that Wisconsin lacks the explosive playmakers to help elevate Van Dyke's production.

Wisconsin's defense is led by senior safeties Hunter Wohler and Preston Zachman. Wohler leads the team with 15 tackles, while linebacker Jaheim Thomas ranks second with 12 tackles. He transferred from Arkansas before the season began. Albany transfer defensive lineman Elijah Hills leads the team with two sacks.

The Badgers should have a raucous home atmosphere in Madison, and an upset victory over Alabama would be a defining win for Fickell's early tenure at Wisconsin. The Crimson Tide can't get caught looking ahead to a massive game against Georgia and must be focused on this road challenge.

Related: Paul Finebaum Deems Wisconsin to be a 'Real' Test for Alabama