Alabama travels to Madison to take on Wisconsin in a Big Ten versus SEC showdown in Week 3 of the 2024 college football season. The Crimson Tide and Badgers are off to a 2-0 start, but Saturday's game will be the toughest test for both so far in the '24 season.
Under new coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama opened '24 with a 63-0 victory over Western Kentucky. However, the Crimson Tide weren't as sharp in Week 2. Although the scoreboard read 42-16, DeBoer's squad struggled against South Florida. After a shaky performance versus the Bulls, the offensive line will be under the spotlight this Saturday.
After a 7-6 debut in Madison last year, second-year coach Luke Fickell hopes to get Wisconsin back to the top of the Big Ten in '24. So far, it's hard to read a ton into just how much this team as progressed thanks to matchups against Western Michigan (28-14) and South Dakota (27-13). Saturday's game against the Crimson Tide will be telling.
This is the third all-time meeting between Alabama and Wisconsin. The two teams split the series at one victory apiece.
Alabama at Wisconsin
Location: Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis.
Kickoff: Saturday, Sept. 14 at Noon ET
TV: FOX
Spread: Alabama -16
Over/Under: 50.5
Announcers: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, and Jenny Taft
Why Alabama Will Win
The Crimson Tide have the better team on both sides of the ball. Entering Saturday's game, DeBoer's squad is averaging 52.5 points a contest and holds opponents to eight points a game. Alabama left plenty to be desired in its performance versus South Florida, but this program is still among the teams in the nation and has a higher ceiling in '24 than the Badgers.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe has room to improve in DeBoer's offense, but the Texas native looks comfortable through two games and continues to be a dynamic playmaker on the ground in the new scheme. In addition to Milroe's mobility, the one-two punch of Jam Miller (194 yards) and Justice Haynes (143) at running back will be a handful for a Wisconsin defensive line that experienced significant offseason turnover and is allowing 121.5 yards a game through two weeks. Also, there's a chance left tackle Kadyn Proctor returns to the lineup after missing the first two games. Proctor's return would stabilize a line that struggled against USF last Saturday.
Alabama's defense is off to a fast start under new coordinator Kane Wommack, allowing just one offensive touchdown through two contests. Additionally, this unit is limiting offenses to 3.1 yards a snap and has generated five sacks in '24.
Related: College Football Predictions for Every Game in Week 3
Why Wisconsin Will Win
Although this matchup favors Alabama on both sides of the ball, the homefield edge in Madison could be an equalizer for Fickell's team. If the Badgers can find a way to keep this one close into the third quarter, the crowd and atmosphere is the x-factor in a tight game.
Transfer quarterback (Miami) Tyler Van Dyke has been solid in his Wisconsin career so far, throwing for 406 yards and a score over 38 completions. Van Dyke needs more big-play ability (6.4 yards per attempt in '24), but Alabama's young secondary could have issues containing the passing game. Receivers Will Pauling (10 catches so far), Bryson Green (seven), C.J. Williams (two), and Trech Kekahuna (four) give Van Dyke a deep set of weapons to test the Crimson Tide defensive backfield.
Question marks remain about Alabama's offensive line going into Saturday's contest, giving the Badgers an opportunity to pressure Milroe or create havoc at the line of scrimmage similar to what South Florida was able to do last week. If the Crimson Tide's offensive line struggles or Wisconsin's front can make a few plays, then Milroe, Miller, and Haynes won't get on track, putting DeBoer's offense into third-and-long situations in a tough environment.
Related: Ranking All 134 College Football Teams for 2024
Final Analysis
This matchup should be telling for both teams. After an inconsistent performance last week, can Milroe and Alabama's offense rebound? Or has Wisconsin looked sluggish through the first two weeks to open up the playbook on both sides of the ball versus the Crimson Tide? The Badgers will win some battles on defense early in this game. But look for Milroe and Alabama's offense to get on track in the second half for the victory.
Prediction: Alabama 34, Wisconsin 17
Related: College Football Picks: Expert Predictions for Every Game in Week 3
Related: College Football Top 134 Team Rankings for 2024
Related: College Football Bowl Projections for 2024-25
Related: Heisman Trophy Rankings: Ewers Shines at Michigan, Jeanty on the Rise
Local News
Comments / 0