Week Two Preview - Predictions / MT vs. Wisconsin
Blue Raiders Head North for First-Ever Clash with Wisconsin
Middle Tennessee has faced its share of big-name programs over the years, but Saturday brings a brand-new challenge. The Blue Raiders travel to Madison for a first-ever meeting with Wisconsin, a Big Ten heavyweight with one of the nation’s most suffocating defenses.
Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. CT) at Camp Randall Stadium, with the Badgers entering as 28.5-point favorites.
Blue Raiders Seeking Redemption
For Middle Tennessee (0–1), the trip north comes just a week after a stunning 34–14 loss to Austin Peay, a game that left fans frustrated and the locker room searching for answers.
Quarterback Nicholas Vattiato completed 15-of-36 passes for 104 yards and 2 touchdowns but struggled to find rhythm against the Governors’ defense. Running back Jekail Middlebrook managed just 48 yards on 11 carries, while sophomore receiver Nahzae Cox provided the lone offensive spark with 6 catches for 50 yards and both touchdowns.
The numbers weren’t pretty—only 153 total yards of offense—but head coach Derek Masonemphasized red zone efficiency as a positive. The Blue Raiders scored on every trip inside the 20, a stat that will be critical against Wisconsin’s imposing defense.
Wisconsin Flexes Early Muscle
The Badgers (1–0) opened the season with a 17–0 shutout of Miami (OH), showcasing the kind of defensive dominance that has long been a hallmark in Madison.
• Total yards allowed: 117 (4th-best nationally)
• Rushing yards allowed: 34 on 25 carries
• Third-down defense: 0-for-9
• Turnovers forced: 2 interceptions
The star of the opener was safety Preston Zachman, who snagged both picks and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.
On offense, freshman quarterback Danny O’Neil stepped in for injured starter Billy Edwards Jr.(knee sprain, week-to-week). O’Neil finished 12-of-19 for 120 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He leaned on veteran running back Dillion Jones (73 yards) and receiver Vinny Anthony II (4 rec - 57 yards, TD) to keep the chains moving.
Key Storylines
1. Redemption or Repeat?
MTSU has faced Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, and Missouri in recent seasons, but the Austin Peay loss makes this matchup feel even more urgent. Can the Blue Raiders prove they’re capable of competing with a Power Five foe?
2. Quarterback Questions in Madison
Edwards’ injury puts O’Neil back in the spotlight. How will the freshman handle his first start against a bigger FBS defense that will bring more speed and pressure?
3. Blue Raiders’ Response
The Austin Peay game exposed weaknesses on the o-line and on defense. A competitive showing against Wisconsin could calm growing frustrations and set the tone for conference play.
4. Badgers’ Defensive Identity
Wisconsin’s historic defense is once again the headliner. If they continue to swarm like they did in Week 1, the Badgers will be in complete control.
Matchup at a Glance
• Spread: Wisconsin –28.5
• Over/Under: 45.5
• First Meeting: Saturday marks the first-ever game between the two programs.
• Coaches: Derek Mason (MTSU, 2nd season, 3-10 at MT), Luke Fickell (Wisconsin, 2nd season, 13-13 at Wisconsin)
Keys to the Game
For Middle Tennessee
• Protect Vattiato: Wisconsin’s front seven is relentless.
• Establish a ground attack: Middlebrook and company must keep drives alive.
• Avoid turnovers: Giving Wisconsin short fields is a recipe for disaster.
For Wisconsin
• Keep O’Neil comfortable: The freshman doesn’t need to win the game, just manage it.
• Run the football: Jones and the ground game can control tempo.
• Keep the clamps on defense: Dominate the line and let the secondary feast.
Final Word
This game is about identity. For MTSU, it’s a chance to show resilience after a humbling opener and prove they belong on the same field as a Big Ten opponent. For Wisconsin, it’s another step toward cementing themselves as one of the nation’s most complete defenses while breaking in a freshman quarterback under the spotlight.
Camp Randall will be loud, the Badgers are heavy favorites, and history suggests MTSU will need near-perfect execution to keep it competitive. But in college football, reputations can shift in a single Saturday—and the Blue Raiders will look to make this one count.
Staff Predictions
Jonathan: For MTSU, this trip to Camp Randall is less about the scoreboard and more about proving they can respond after a rough opener. Wisconsin’s size, depth, and defensive front make the Badgers the clear favorite, but the Blue Raiders still have a chance to show grit, take some shots downfield, and find confidence moving forward into conference play. A tough afternoon is likely in Madison, but how MTSU competes could set the tone for the rest of the season. Prediction: Wisconsin 41, Middle Tennessee 10.
Drake: In the words of Grambling State Head Coach, Mickey Joseph, “They’ve got a great band and we’ve got a great band. We’re going to compete as a band”, when asked about their matchup with Ohio State this week. Joseph then finished with, “We understand what we’re getting into. We understand what’s going to happen.” That’s how I’m expecting it to go for the Blue Raiders as well.
Coach Joseph also said he wants them to play a clean game and play within their system. I think if Middle can play their brand of ball and push each other to give Wisconsin everything they’ve got for 60 minutes, then that shows the growth and dedication they will need to be competitive for the rest of the year. Wisconsin wins, but it’s always Raiders by 90.
RJ: With every weakness Wisconsin has offensively, they have an even bigger strength defensively. Wisconsin neutralized Miami of Ohio’s offense in week one, despite struggling to score. I don’t have reason to believe that Middle Tennessee’s offense, one that looked completely stale against Austin Peay, will bounce back against a top Big Ten defense. Prediction: Wisconsin 27, Middle Tennessee 3
