Quarter 1: Predicting the schedule

The BadgerBlitz.com staff - Jon McNamara, John Veldhuis and Jessi Schoville - will break down Wisconsin's 2016 schedule into four quarters and make predictions for each game. Quarter 1 features LSU, Akron and Georgia State.

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McNamara: LSU 21, Wisconsin 17

Heisman Trophy candidate Leonard Fournette is held in check for most of the first half but breaks loose for two touchdowns in the second as LSU pushes past Wisconsin, 21-17, at Lambeau Field. UW starting quarterback Bart Houston throws for over 200 yards and one touchdown to wide receiver George Rushing, but also has two costly interceptions, one in the red-zone early in the fourth quarter. The Badgers' running attack was solid, with Corey Clement rushing for over 100 yards on 21 carries and Taiwan Deal chipping in 75 yards and one score. But for the third year in a row, UW falls to an SEC opponent to open the season.

Veldhuis: LSU 24, Wisconsin 17

The Badgers jumped out to an early lead at Lambeau Field against LSU thanks to starting quarterback Bart Houston, who caps off a strong first drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jazz Peavy to give UW an early lead. Wisconsin's defense held strong for most of the first half, but allowed a touchdown run to Tigers' star running back Leonard Fournette, and both teams traded field goals before halftime. LSU scored twice in the third quarter to take a commanding lead, but running back Corey Clement helped UW drive down the field and cut the lead to one score with just minutes left to play. The Badgers recovered the ensuing onside kick, but Houston tossed a critical interception near the sideline that ends the game - overthrowing Rob Wheelwright while trying to convert on third down.

Schoville: Wisconsin 24, LSU 17

Both teams get on the board early due to the heightened emotion of a fresh season and the environment at Lambeau Field. The Badgers crack the seal, with a long 11-play drive capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run by senior Corey Clement. The Tigers respond in quick fashion, scoring in just six plays thanks to a lengthy run by Heisman hopeful, Leonard Fournette. The LSU defense, led by ex-Badger coordinator Dave Aranda, tightens for the remainder of the half only allowing three points in the second quarter via a Rafael Gaglianone 42-yard field goal. LSU matches, sending the teams to the locker rooms with a score of 10-10. In the second half the Badgers staff has Aranda’s plan a little more under thumb and musters two scores, one in the air from quarterback Alex Hornibrook to George Rushing, and the next from Clement on the ground for his second score of the day. LSU manages another touchdown in the fourth, but ultimately the emotion in Green Bay carries the Badgers to an upset, 24-17.

McNamara: Wisconsin 35, Akron 17

Bart Houston plays well in his first home game as Wisconsin's starting quarterback, throwing for over 250 yards and three touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Rob Wheelwright is impressive, hauling in eight catches for over 100 yards and one touchdown. On the other side of the ball, Justin Wilcox's unit is lead by Jack Cichy, who registered a game-high 12 tackles and one sack. Fellow linebacker Vince Biegel also had a solid game and added a score for UW on a fumble recovery in Akron territory. Former four-star running back and Ohio State transfer Warren Ball, who had an offer from Wisconsin coming out of high school, finds the end zone once for the Zips.

Veldhuis: Wisconsin 42, Akron 14

Wisconsin's young but more experienced offensive line showed what they can do in their first home game of the year, helping Corey Clement and Taiwan Deal each rush for 100 yards and one touchdown. Akron got on the board with a late touchdown drive just before halftime, but the Badgers responded with back-to-back touchdown drives, as Natrell Jamerson returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown and Bart Houston connected with Rob Wheelwright for a 40-yard score. The Badgers pulled their starters in the fourth quarter, and Wisconsin's second-team offense tacked on one last score when Bradrick Shaw found the end zone for his first collegiate touchdown.

Schoville: Wisconsin 38, Akron 21

Coming off an emotional upset victory over LSU, the Badgers have a rough first half versus the Zips. They allow 14 points in the first quarter, mainly due to an early interception over the middle off a poor decision by Alex Hornibrook. The Badgers still manage to keep pace, scoring on a screen pass thanks to some nifty running by Dare Ogunbowale and downfield blocking by fullback Alec Ingold and the improved offensive line. Two drives later, Houston connects deep with George Rushing and its knotted up at 14-14. From here, it’s almost all Wisconsin. Domination up front, coupled with a heavy rotation of running backs; the Badgers steamroll to the finish winning, 38-21.

McNamara: Wisconsin 28, Georgia St. 7

Wisconsin was most effective on the ground against Georgia State, with Corey Clement, Taiwan Deal and Dare Ogunbowale combining for over 250 yards on the ground and all four of UW's touchdowns. The passing game, though, struggled, with Bart Houston throwing for just 175 yards and two interceptions. Will there be talk of Alex Hornibrook heading into Big Ten play?

Veldhuis: Wisconsin 31, Georgia St. 14

Georgia State gets on the board first, and things got ugly quick when Bart Houston and Corey Clement mishandle a handoff and turn the ball over, leading to a second score for the Panthers. But the Badgers rallied and scored three times in the second quarter, once on a short touchdown run by Clement, once on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Houston to tight end Troy Fumagalli and again when cornerback Derrick Tindal returned an interception for a touchdown. With Big Ten play set to start next week, though, Wisconsin can't afford to keep making the same mistakes that got them in hot water against the Panthers.

Schoville: Wisconsin 45, Georgia St. 17

The Badgers look better this week than they did the previous week versus Akron. Georgia State struggles early to control Wisconsin's offense and is getting pushed up and down the field by the Badger front. Following a pair of easy scores on the ground - one from Clement and one from Taiwan Deal - UW really lets Alex Hornibrook air it out. He ends the day with over 250 yards passing and three touchdowns. The Panthers manage some garbage time points, but Deal seals the deal for the cardinal and white, giving the Badgers a 45-17 win.