Wisconsin is trending in the wrong direction after a 28-14 Week 1 win over Western Michigan.
Despite the win, the Badgers fell seven spots in ESPN FPI to No. 46, now with an overall rating of only 4.0.
The drop makes sense given the context. Wisconsin struggled to defeat a Western Michigan team that entered the game ranked No. 119 in FPI (out of 134 FBS programs). The Broncos have risen since their strong performance. But much of that can be attributed to the Badgers’ struggles on both sides of the football.
FPI and SP+ ratings are not the end-all for evaluating a team. Wisconsin moves into Week 2 with a 1-0 record, which is technically all that matters. But in a week where Iowa won 40-0 and Nebraska won 40-7, both against lesser competition, it’s hard not to look at Wisconsin’s performance with a critical eye.
The Badgers are back on the field next Saturday against South Dakota. That game serves as the final warmup before No. 5 Alabama visits Madison on Sept. 14.