Sept 6 | Wisconsin

Dale said:

and went toe to toe with Indiana. Season largely rooted in leadership issues more than talent.

That IU game was really the reason I doubted IU could make the run they did.

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What camp tells me​

Notre Dame​

My quarter-by-quarter prediction​

1st quarter — Notre Dame 7, Wisconsin 3​

2nd quarter — Notre Dame begins separating​

3rd quarter — the critical quarter​

4th quarter — Wisconsin has to abandon the ideal game plan​

The scenario that could change my prediction​

My upset formula for Wisconsin​

Irish#1 said:

I asked ChatGPT to analyze the camp reports and give me a quarter by quarter prediction.

I've gone through the most recent fall-camp reports for both teams, including the injury/depth-chart information released as game week begins. My read is that Notre Dame has the better roster and fewer serious questions, but this matchup could be considerably more competitive than the point spread might suggest early.

The game is Sunday, September 6, at Lambeau Field, with Notre Dame technically the home team.

What camp tells me​

Wisconsin's biggest positive is its defense. Reports from the open practices and scrimmage consistently describe the defensive front and secondary as having good camps. Hammond Russell, Jake Anderson and Charles Perkins have helped solidify the defensive line, while the secondary generated interceptions and PBUs throughout camp. Fickell has also specifically talked about having considerably better defensive depth.

That matters because Wisconsin probably can't win a 35-31 game against Notre Dame. Its path is making this an ugly, physical game into the third quarter.

The concern is Wisconsin's offensive line. Starting OL Kevin Heywood and Emerson Mandell have missed substantial practice time. Both have now participated to some degree, but Fickell says their availability against Notre Dame remains uncertain and could be a game-time decision.

That's the matchup I dislike most for Wisconsin. If those two aren't close to 100%, Notre Dame can disrupt the Badgers without having to constantly bring extra defenders.

Wisconsin QB Colton Joseph is another wildcard. Camp reports indicate the offense has been inconsistent, including interceptions, mishandled snaps and communication problems during the open practice.

At the same time, Wisconsin appears deeper than it did a year ago, particularly at receiver and along the defensive front. Fickell specifically pointed to improved depth and better overall offensive/defensive balance coming out of camp.

---

Notre Dame​

I see fewer warning signs here.

The biggest development is that Ashton Craig is back at center after his ACL recovery. That's important because Notre Dame's offensive line looked like one of the potential uncertainties entering camp. Freeman says Craig is ready, while Sullivan Absher and Styles Prescod are still competing at RG.

Notre Dame's injury situation also looks better than it did when camp opened. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is officially questionable, but current reporting expects him to be capable of playing meaningful snaps.

The Irish offense is the interesting part.

Mike Denbrock acknowledges that it isn't a finished product. The running-back rotation remains unsettled, although Aneyas Williams has the experience advantage, with Kedren Young and Nolan James making strong pushes during camp.

That makes me think Notre Dame will be relatively conservative early: establish the line of scrimmage, run the football, give CJ Carr manageable throws and make Wisconsin prove it can consistently stop them.

My quarter-by-quarter prediction​

	Wisconsin	Notre Dame
1st quarter	3	7
2nd quarter	7	10
Halftime	10	17
3rd quarter	3	7
4th quarter	7	10
FINAL	20	34

1st quarter — Notre Dame 7, Wisconsin 3​

This is where Wisconsin's adrenaline and defense keep things close.

Lambeau isn't technically a Wisconsin home game, but there should be an enormous Badger presence. Wisconsin comes out extremely physical and Notre Dame doesn't immediately run away with it.

I expect Wisconsin's defense to create some problems for Carr, but Notre Dame eventually puts together a TD drive.

ND 7-3.

2nd quarter — Notre Dame begins separating​

This is where the difference in offensive-line quality starts showing.

Notre Dame begins figuring out what Wisconsin is doing defensively. Carr hits a couple intermediate throws and Notre Dame's running game becomes more effective.

Wisconsin also puts together its best offensive drive of the first half, possibly helped by Joseph's mobility.

Halftime: Notre Dame 17, Wisconsin 10.

And at this point Wisconsin fans are thinking, We've got a chance.

3rd quarter — the critical quarter​

This is where I think Notre Dame's depth becomes decisive.

Wisconsin's defense has spent a lot of time on the field. Notre Dame starts leaning on the offensive line and rotating backs.

Wisconsin's offensive-line situation becomes increasingly important. If Heywood and Mandell aren't playing—or aren't close to full strength—I think Notre Dame begins getting consistent pressure.

Wisconsin settles for a field goal while ND scores another TD.

Notre Dame 24, Wisconsin 13.

4th quarter — Wisconsin has to abandon the ideal game plan​

At 24-13, Wisconsin can't simply grind away anymore.

Joseph has to throw more frequently. That creates opportunities for Notre Dame's pass rush and secondary.

I think Wisconsin gets one touchdown that makes it interesting—something like 27-20 with 7–9 minutes remaining.

That's Wisconsin's last real chance.

Notre Dame responds with a long drive and puts it away.

FINAL: Notre Dame 34, Wisconsin 20.

---

The scenario that could change my prediction​

There is one thing I'm watching more than anything else:

Wisconsin's offensive line health.

If Mandell and Heywood both play and are reasonably healthy, I'd tighten this considerably:

Notre Dame 30
Wisconsin 23

If neither can play effectively, I could easily see:

Notre Dame 38
Wisconsin 16

Notre Dame simply has too much defensive talent for Wisconsin to compensate for two compromised starting offensive linemen.

My upset formula for Wisconsin​

Wisconsin doesn't need to outplay Notre Dame everywhere. It needs about four things to happen:

Win turnovers by +2 → keep Carr uncomfortable → avoid obvious passing downs → still be within one score entering the fourth quarter.

If it's 20-17 or 17-13 entering the fourth, Lambeau becomes a major factor and Notre Dame suddenly has a real problem.

But based specifically on what has come out of the two camps, I currently see Notre Dame as roughly a 75/25 favorite, with 34-20 as my most likely type of game.

The interesting thing is that I expect Wisconsin to look better than the final score. I think this will feel like a competitive football game for about three quarters before Notre Dame's line play and depth finally show up on the scoreboard.

Click to expand...

Dale said:

and went toe to toe with Indiana. Season largely rooted in leadership issues more than talent.

That IU game was really the reason I doubted IU could make the run they did.

Click to expand...

Irish#1 said:

I asked ChatGPT to analyze the camp reports and give me a quarter by quarter prediction.

I've gone through the most recent fall-camp reports for both teams, including the injury/depth-chart information released as game week begins. My read is that Notre Dame has the better roster and fewer serious questions, but this matchup could be considerably more competitive than the point spread might suggest early.

The game is Sunday, September 6, at Lambeau Field, with Notre Dame technically the home team.

What camp tells me​

Wisconsin's biggest positive is its defense. Reports from the open practices and scrimmage consistently describe the defensive front and secondary as having good camps. Hammond Russell, Jake Anderson and Charles Perkins have helped solidify the defensive line, while the secondary generated interceptions and PBUs throughout camp. Fickell has also specifically talked about having considerably better defensive depth.

That matters because Wisconsin probably can't win a 35-31 game against Notre Dame. Its path is making this an ugly, physical game into the third quarter.

The concern is Wisconsin's offensive line. Starting OL Kevin Heywood and Emerson Mandell have missed substantial practice time. Both have now participated to some degree, but Fickell says their availability against Notre Dame remains uncertain and could be a game-time decision.

That's the matchup I dislike most for Wisconsin. If those two aren't close to 100%, Notre Dame can disrupt the Badgers without having to constantly bring extra defenders.

Wisconsin QB Colton Joseph is another wildcard. Camp reports indicate the offense has been inconsistent, including interceptions, mishandled snaps and communication problems during the open practice.

At the same time, Wisconsin appears deeper than it did a year ago, particularly at receiver and along the defensive front. Fickell specifically pointed to improved depth and better overall offensive/defensive balance coming out of camp.

---

Notre Dame​

I see fewer warning signs here.

The biggest development is that Ashton Craig is back at center after his ACL recovery. That's important because Notre Dame's offensive line looked like one of the potential uncertainties entering camp. Freeman says Craig is ready, while Sullivan Absher and Styles Prescod are still competing at RG.

Notre Dame's injury situation also looks better than it did when camp opened. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is officially questionable, but current reporting expects him to be capable of playing meaningful snaps.

The Irish offense is the interesting part.

Mike Denbrock acknowledges that it isn't a finished product. The running-back rotation remains unsettled, although Aneyas Williams has the experience advantage, with Kedren Young and Nolan James making strong pushes during camp.

That makes me think Notre Dame will be relatively conservative early: establish the line of scrimmage, run the football, give CJ Carr manageable throws and make Wisconsin prove it can consistently stop them.

My quarter-by-quarter prediction​

	Wisconsin	Notre Dame
1st quarter	3	7
2nd quarter	7	10
Halftime	10	17
3rd quarter	3	7
4th quarter	7	10
FINAL	20	34

1st quarter — Notre Dame 7, Wisconsin 3​

This is where Wisconsin's adrenaline and defense keep things close.

Lambeau isn't technically a Wisconsin home game, but there should be an enormous Badger presence. Wisconsin comes out extremely physical and Notre Dame doesn't immediately run away with it.

I expect Wisconsin's defense to create some problems for Carr, but Notre Dame eventually puts together a TD drive.

ND 7-3.

2nd quarter — Notre Dame begins separating​

This is where the difference in offensive-line quality starts showing.

Notre Dame begins figuring out what Wisconsin is doing defensively. Carr hits a couple intermediate throws and Notre Dame's running game becomes more effective.

Wisconsin also puts together its best offensive drive of the first half, possibly helped by Joseph's mobility.

Halftime: Notre Dame 17, Wisconsin 10.

And at this point Wisconsin fans are thinking, We've got a chance.

3rd quarter — the critical quarter​

This is where I think Notre Dame's depth becomes decisive.

Wisconsin's defense has spent a lot of time on the field. Notre Dame starts leaning on the offensive line and rotating backs.

Wisconsin's offensive-line situation becomes increasingly important. If Heywood and Mandell aren't playing—or aren't close to full strength—I think Notre Dame begins getting consistent pressure.

Wisconsin settles for a field goal while ND scores another TD.

Notre Dame 24, Wisconsin 13.

4th quarter — Wisconsin has to abandon the ideal game plan​

At 24-13, Wisconsin can't simply grind away anymore.

Joseph has to throw more frequently. That creates opportunities for Notre Dame's pass rush and secondary.

I think Wisconsin gets one touchdown that makes it interesting—something like 27-20 with 7–9 minutes remaining.

That's Wisconsin's last real chance.

Notre Dame responds with a long drive and puts it away.

FINAL: Notre Dame 34, Wisconsin 20.

---

The scenario that could change my prediction​

There is one thing I'm watching more than anything else:

Wisconsin's offensive line health.

If Mandell and Heywood both play and are reasonably healthy, I'd tighten this considerably:

Notre Dame 30
Wisconsin 23

If neither can play effectively, I could easily see:

Notre Dame 38
Wisconsin 16

Notre Dame simply has too much defensive talent for Wisconsin to compensate for two compromised starting offensive linemen.

My upset formula for Wisconsin​

Wisconsin doesn't need to outplay Notre Dame everywhere. It needs about four things to happen:

Win turnovers by +2 → keep Carr uncomfortable → avoid obvious passing downs → still be within one score entering the fourth quarter.

If it's 20-17 or 17-13 entering the fourth, Lambeau becomes a major factor and Notre Dame suddenly has a real problem.

But based specifically on what has come out of the two camps, I currently see Notre Dame as roughly a 75/25 favorite, with 34-20 as my most likely type of game.

The interesting thing is that I expect Wisconsin to look better than the final score. I think this will feel like a competitive football game for about three quarters before Notre Dame's line play and depth finally show up on the scoreboard.

Click to expand...

notredomer23 said:

Insider on II says that Heywood is definitely out for the game. Post reads like someone from his hometown or high school.

Click to expand...

Irish#1 said:

I asked ChatGPT to analyze the camp reports and give me a quarter by quarter prediction.

I've gone through the most recent fall-camp reports for both teams, including the injury/depth-chart information released as game week begins. My read is that Notre Dame has the better roster and fewer serious questions, but this matchup could be considerably more competitive than the point spread might suggest early.

The game is Sunday, September 6, at Lambeau Field, with Notre Dame technically the home team.

What camp tells me​

Wisconsin's biggest positive is its defense. Reports from the open practices and scrimmage consistently describe the defensive front and secondary as having good camps. Hammond Russell, Jake Anderson and Charles Perkins have helped solidify the defensive line, while the secondary generated interceptions and PBUs throughout camp. Fickell has also specifically talked about having considerably better defensive depth.

That matters because Wisconsin probably can't win a 35-31 game against Notre Dame. Its path is making this an ugly, physical game into the third quarter.

The concern is Wisconsin's offensive line. Starting OL Kevin Heywood and Emerson Mandell have missed substantial practice time. Both have now participated to some degree, but Fickell says their availability against Notre Dame remains uncertain and could be a game-time decision.

That's the matchup I dislike most for Wisconsin. If those two aren't close to 100%, Notre Dame can disrupt the Badgers without having to constantly bring extra defenders.

Wisconsin QB Colton Joseph is another wildcard. Camp reports indicate the offense has been inconsistent, including interceptions, mishandled snaps and communication problems during the open practice.

At the same time, Wisconsin appears deeper than it did a year ago, particularly at receiver and along the defensive front. Fickell specifically pointed to improved depth and better overall offensive/defensive balance coming out of camp.

---

Notre Dame​

I see fewer warning signs here.

The biggest development is that Ashton Craig is back at center after his ACL recovery. That's important because Notre Dame's offensive line looked like one of the potential uncertainties entering camp. Freeman says Craig is ready, while Sullivan Absher and Styles Prescod are still competing at RG.

Notre Dame's injury situation also looks better than it did when camp opened. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is officially questionable, but current reporting expects him to be capable of playing meaningful snaps.

The Irish offense is the interesting part.

Mike Denbrock acknowledges that it isn't a finished product. The running-back rotation remains unsettled, although Aneyas Williams has the experience advantage, with Kedren Young and Nolan James making strong pushes during camp.

That makes me think Notre Dame will be relatively conservative early: establish the line of scrimmage, run the football, give CJ Carr manageable throws and make Wisconsin prove it can consistently stop them.

My quarter-by-quarter prediction​

	Wisconsin	Notre Dame
1st quarter	3	7
2nd quarter	7	10
Halftime	10	17
3rd quarter	3	7
4th quarter	7	10
FINAL	20	34

1st quarter — Notre Dame 7, Wisconsin 3​

This is where Wisconsin's adrenaline and defense keep things close.

Lambeau isn't technically a Wisconsin home game, but there should be an enormous Badger presence. Wisconsin comes out extremely physical and Notre Dame doesn't immediately run away with it.

I expect Wisconsin's defense to create some problems for Carr, but Notre Dame eventually puts together a TD drive.

ND 7-3.

2nd quarter — Notre Dame begins separating​

This is where the difference in offensive-line quality starts showing.

Notre Dame begins figuring out what Wisconsin is doing defensively. Carr hits a couple intermediate throws and Notre Dame's running game becomes more effective.

Wisconsin also puts together its best offensive drive of the first half, possibly helped by Joseph's mobility.

Halftime: Notre Dame 17, Wisconsin 10.

And at this point Wisconsin fans are thinking, We've got a chance.

3rd quarter — the critical quarter​

This is where I think Notre Dame's depth becomes decisive.

Wisconsin's defense has spent a lot of time on the field. Notre Dame starts leaning on the offensive line and rotating backs.

Wisconsin's offensive-line situation becomes increasingly important. If Heywood and Mandell aren't playing—or aren't close to full strength—I think Notre Dame begins getting consistent pressure.

Wisconsin settles for a field goal while ND scores another TD.

Notre Dame 24, Wisconsin 13.

4th quarter — Wisconsin has to abandon the ideal game plan​

At 24-13, Wisconsin can't simply grind away anymore.

Joseph has to throw more frequently. That creates opportunities for Notre Dame's pass rush and secondary.

I think Wisconsin gets one touchdown that makes it interesting—something like 27-20 with 7–9 minutes remaining.

That's Wisconsin's last real chance.

Notre Dame responds with a long drive and puts it away.

FINAL: Notre Dame 34, Wisconsin 20.

---

The scenario that could change my prediction​

There is one thing I'm watching more than anything else:

Wisconsin's offensive line health.

If Mandell and Heywood both play and are reasonably healthy, I'd tighten this considerably:

Notre Dame 30
Wisconsin 23

If neither can play effectively, I could easily see:

Notre Dame 38
Wisconsin 16

Notre Dame simply has too much defensive talent for Wisconsin to compensate for two compromised starting offensive linemen.

My upset formula for Wisconsin​

Wisconsin doesn't need to outplay Notre Dame everywhere. It needs about four things to happen:

Win turnovers by +2 → keep Carr uncomfortable → avoid obvious passing downs → still be within one score entering the fourth quarter.

If it's 20-17 or 17-13 entering the fourth, Lambeau becomes a major factor and Notre Dame suddenly has a real problem.

But based specifically on what has come out of the two camps, I currently see Notre Dame as roughly a 75/25 favorite, with 34-20 as my most likely type of game.

The interesting thing is that I expect Wisconsin to look better than the final score. I think this will feel like a competitive football game for about three quarters before Notre Dame's line play and depth finally show up on the scoreboard.

Click to expand...

MPClinton22 said:

I'll be apoplectic if our D gives up 20 to Wisconsin

Click to expand...

Irish#1 said:

I asked ChatGPT to analyze the camp reports and give me a quarter by quarter prediction.

Click to expand...

Irish#1 said:

Click to expand...

greyhammer90 said:

If we wanted to read a badly written wall of text hastily put together by someone pretending to know football, we'd ask *insert literally any poster*.

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1. How does the OL look? Gelling and playing at a high level, or bumbling and being challenged in Pass/Run plays.
2. Does the O hit a bunch of 3-and-outs? That would be disappointing.
3. WR. How many catch a ball, and who is separating themselves from the pack?
4. How aggressively does the DL play?

NDPhilly said:

As much as I want to just throw it all over them, I really think they are going to be significantly weaker upfront than last year. They replace almost everyone. Obviously they have very good LBs but we should be able to get a great push.

DBs should be stronger than their DL, but far from proven. Honestly I don’t know if this ends up being a top 30 defense, much less top 20.

The more time I spend on this team the less impressed I am. Just devoid of talent.

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RudyVerse said:

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NumbersGuy0520 said:

The spread and total means Vegas’s prediction is more like 34-13, so even closer than 37-10.

I hope we come out firing and the only way those results happen is through a backdoor cover.

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MeanGreenBeans said:

I somehow managed to underestimate just how delusional these human piles of beer cheese are.

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RudyVerse said:

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NDPhilly said:

I feel like the spread is pretty spot on. I expect a somewhat slow start but for us to pull away. I don’t expect their offense to be able to consistently put multiple first downs together. They get a late score with Joseph against our 2s to make it look a little closer.

31-13 Irish.

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fightingirish26 said:

Pretty sure the barstool post is self aware lol

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