The Wisconsin Badgers return to Camp Randall on Saturday afternoon looking to stack wins and build momentum early in the 2025 season. Luke Fickell’s team took care of business in Week 1 with a 17-0 shutout of Miami (Ohio), leaning heavily on a defense that didn’t allow a third-down conversion and surrendered just 117 total yards.
Now the Badgers (1-0) welcome Middle Tennessee State (0-1) for a 3 p.m. kickoff on FS1, marking the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
Wisconsin Defense Sets the Tone
If there was any doubt about Wisconsin’s identity in year two under Fickell, the opener answered it. The Badgers’ defensive front smothered Miami’s run game, holding the RedHawks to 1.5 yards per carry. Safety Preston Zachman sealed the night with a pair of fourth-quarter interceptions.
That defensive effort gives Wisconsin confidence heading into Saturday, especially against an MTSU offense that struggled in its season debut.
Blue Raiders Searching for Answers
Derek Mason is still searching for traction in Murfreesboro. The second-year head coach has just three wins since taking over and watched his team get outclassed by Austin Peay, 34-14, last week. It was the Governors’ first win over an FBS opponent since 1987.
The Blue Raiders’ offensive problems were glaring: only 109 passing yards, 44 rushing yards, and five sacks allowed. Losing top targets Omari Kelly (transfer to Michigan State) and Holden Willis (graduation) has clearly left quarterback Nicholas Vattiato without the reliable options he had last year.
Defensively, veteran coordinator Brian Stewart brings plenty of Big Ten experience from stops at Maryland and Nebraska, but his unit is coming off a 2024 season where it gave up 449 yards per game. Austin Peay found plenty of success in Week 1, piling up 344 yards without committing a turnover.
Quarterback Situation Worth Watching
The one question mark on Wisconsin’s side is at quarterback. Maryland transfer Billy Edwards Jr. exited the opener with a knee injury in the second quarter. Early-week reports suggest backup Danny O’Neil will likely get the nod against MTSU, with Edwards expected to be back in time for the Week 3 showdown at Alabama.
Whether it’s Edwards or O’Neil under center, the Badgers shouldn’t need to lean heavily on the passing game to control Saturday’s contest.
History Not on MTSU’s Side
Middle Tennessee has rarely found success against Big Ten teams. The Blue Raiders are 2-10 all-time against the conference, with their only wins coming against Maryland in 2008 and 2009—back when the Terps were still in the ACC. Their most recent matchup came in 2019, a 48-3 loss to Iowa.
The Odds and Outlook
FanDuel Sportsbook lists Wisconsin as a 28.5-point favorite with the total set at 45.5. That’s a steep line, but considering the Badgers’ defense and MTSU’s struggles, it feels justified.
This is a game Wisconsin should control from start to finish. The Badgers’ defense matches up perfectly against an offense trying to rediscover itself, and the run game should be more than enough to push them past the Blue Raiders comfortably.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
