Badgers Wire staff predictions for Wisconsin football vs. Indiana Hoosiers

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The Wisconsin Badgers face a tough test on Saturday in their final run toward bowl eligibility. The opponent: the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers. Behind No. 1 Ohio State, no team in college football appears better suited for a deep College Football Playoff run.

The Badgers improved to 3-6 last Saturday with a big win over Washington. The triumph was the team's first since Week 2, plus its first over a Power Four opponent since last October. A closing run to bowl eligibility is unlikely, to say the least. But continued strong play could build valuable momentum entering 2026.

Of course, an upset win over the Hoosiers would do a lot for the program's standing under Luke Fickell. For more on the team's chances, specifically whether it can continue momentum from its win over Washington, here are our staff's predictions for the game.

Ben's prediction

Wisconsin is turning some heads on defense, holding Washington and Oregon to season-low outputs during their last two games. While that performance could travel to Indiana, it's hard to see the Badger offense, likely led by true freshman Carter Smith, suddenly rounding into form. For that reason, I see Indiana riding a big second half to a decisive win.

Score: Indiana 45, Wisconsin 6

Connor's prediction

Vibes are rather high in Madison after the Badgers’ home upset win against the Washington Huskies. Their next challenge will be taking on the Indiana Hoosiers in Bloomington. Programs used to look forward to having the Hoosiers on their schedule, though that changed with Curt Cignetti's hire last season. Expect the Badgers to compete for a quarter or two with the Hoosiers, but eventually give in, largely due to continued offensive struggles.

Score: Indiana 35, Wisconsin 7

Mike's prediction

Despite conquering the Huskies in an upset victory at home, Wisconsin won’t put up much of a fight against the No. 2-ranked Hoosiers. Heisman frontrunner Fernando Mendoza has dispatched of some of the Big Ten’s most prestigious programs in convincing fashion this season, and his offense has obliterated bottom feeders like Michigan State and UCLA. And, unlike at Camp Randall on Saturday, conditions aren’t expected to make this contest a low-scoring affair. Indiana will cover the spread and win 52-10 to move to 11-0.

Score: Indiana 52, Wisconsin 10

How to watch Wisconsin vs. Indiana: TV channel, start time, streaming info

Wisconsin-Indiana will kick off at noon ET, 11 a.m. CT on the Big Ten Network. The game will also be available via streaming on Fubo.

Watch Wisconsin vs. Indiana on Big Ten Network

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Badgers Wire staff predictions for Wisconsin football vs. Indiana

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