If you were one of the unfortunate Badger fans present in Ann Arbor last weekend, there's a good chance the Wolverines' fight song has been playing continuously in your head since the moment the ref blew the final whistle. The Badgers' stunning loss sent Wisconsin crashing back down to Earth.
Newsflash: Things aren't about to get any easier.
But instead of sulking over last week's loss and writing their team off, Wisconsin fans might want to consider the Badgers' fortunate position for this year. The Big Ten is exceptionally competitive again with several top contenders, and if the Badgers find a way to turn their season around, they might finally earn the national respect that many believe they have been lacking in the past.
Even after such a devastating loss, the next two night games at Camp Randall Stadium will be two of the most highly anticipated Badger games in recent memory.
Wisconsin plays Ohio State at home for the first time in five years, when the unranked Badgers defeated the No. 6 Buckeyes 17-10 in another game under the lights at Camp Randall. In the last few years, the Buckeyes have been a major obstacle in the way of the Badgers' chances for more national respect when post-season bowl decisions are made. This season feels no different, as both teams have undergone crushing losses and have a tremendous amount to prove.
The Penn State Nittany Lions began the season unranked but have now become one of the favorites to win the Big Ten crown. Penn State's quarterback, Daryll Clark, has kicked the offense into high gear. Wisconsin won't soon forget its humiliating blowout loss to Penn State last season, while Penn State certainly remembers its last visit to Madison, a loss in the final minutes that lowered its morale and significant lead on the road, you can never take anything for granted. But now they're on the flip side, as Wisconsin's fans can change the momentum just as quickly. The grossly underrated task of putting together a drive, despite the volume of thousands of screaming fans will be placed not on the Badgers, but their opponents.
It should be noted that Wisconsin is the first school in Big Ten history to open up conference play in consecutive games against Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State.
But those who feel that this year's schedule is unfair might consider looking back to Wisconsin's 2006 season. The Badgers went 12-1, and in practically every other season this would have proven to be enough for a BCS Bowl bid. However, a weak conference and an even weaker overall schedule came back to bite the Badgers. Wisconsin played just one ranked opponent all season, a road loss to No. 6 Michigan.
But this season, Wisconsin truly controls its own fate. This year there were no glaring Big Ten opponents left off the schedule. The Badgers already have their signature out-of-conference victory, a road win over a talented Fresno State squad. Also, Wisconsin's two toughest opponents, Ohio State and Penn State, will both have to defeat the Badgers at home if they want to earn a victory.
The public may not be aware, but Wisconsin has booked almost all of its opponents for the 2012 season schedule. Does anyone really know whether Wisconsin will be able to match up with the quality of its opponents when most of these players haven't even graduated high school yet?
The answer is it's simply impossible. The reality is that in college football, the stakes on each game are outrageously high. A single loss or mistake can essentially end an entire season. By packing these high-caliber opponents so closely together, Wisconsin has certainly put its entire season on the line.
But in the end, we'll find out whether Wisconsin still has what it takes to come out on top and live up to its lofty preseason expectations. For the next two night games - whether you're a fan of the Badgers or even college football in general - it just doesn't get any better than this.
If you are still crying over Wisconsin's tough schedule or last week's loss to Michigan, beg for Matt's sympathy at mfox2@wisc.edu.
