Wisconsin Stays at No.18 as it Prepares for Tough Indiana Team

MADISON, Wis. – Following its third COVID bye week of the season, the University of Wisconsin remained at No.18 in this week’s Associated Press poll.

Wisconsin (2-1) was scheduled to play Minnesota last weekend at Camp Randall, but the game was canceled Tuesday due to a wave of positive tests within the Gophers program. Minnesota reported nine student-athletes and six staff members tested positive for COVID-19 since Friday, November 20. On Saturday, the Gophers said the number of COVID-19 cases has reached 40.

UW is scheduled to host No.10 Indiana (5-1) on Saturday (2:30 p.m./ABC) in the Badgers first home game since October 23.

The third cancelation of the season for Wisconsin means the Badgers will play a maximum of five regular-season games. The Big Ten requires teams to play a minimum of six games to be eligible for the Big Ten championship, unless the average number of games drops below that number.

With two weeks remaining, the Badgers would need to see Northwestern lose one of its final two games and have 12 of the 14 games scheduled for the final two weeks to be canceled.

Regardless, UW needs to play games to ensure a bowl game. Three bowls with Big Ten tie-ins have been canceled this season due to pandemic – New Era Pinstripe Bowl, Redbox Bowl and Quick Lane Bowl. Wisconsin has played in a bowl game for 18 straight seasons.

This week will represent another opportunity for Wisconsin to earn a quality win to its resume. Following its 27-11 win over Maryland, No.10 Indiana matched the program’s best start since 1967. The Hoosiers are in the top 10 this season for the first time since 1969 based upon its defense (three turnovers, three sacks vs. Maryland) and an offense that ranks third in scoring and third in passing yards.

The Hoosiers defense leads the nation in interceptions (16) and has three interceptions in three straight games, a tough task for UW quarterback Graham Mertz, who threw three interceptions in the Badgers’ 17-7 loss at Northwestern Nov.21. However, the Badgers could be facing an offense without its best player. Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left Saturday’s win in the second half with a lower leg injury and did not return.

The final College Football Playoff standings will be released Dec.20.