The Wisconsin Badgers have a difficult task ahead this week as they head to Tuscaloosa to face the No. 19-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide after their 42-10 win over Middle Tennessee State.
Despite the win, they struggled, and ESPN moved the Badgers down their Football Power Index from 36 to 40.
Now, they head to Tuscaloosa to face an Alabama team that has a chip on its shoulder after losing week 1 to Florida State and then taking out its frustration on Louisiana-Monroe, 73-0
When asked, Badgers head coach Luke Fickell said his team was not ready for Alabama; he bluntly answered no.
"At this moment, right now? No,” he said.
Fickell was disappointed with his team's first-half performance and mentioned how much preparation they will need to face the Crimson Tide.
Last year, the Badgers were run all over by the Tide 42-10. The Badgers kept it close until their starting quarterback, Tyler Van Dyke had a season-ending injury, which took the life out of the team.
Another injury has hit the team at the position this year, as Danny O’Neil is now the starting quarterback, taking over for Billy Edwards Jr., who was injured in the Badgers' opening game of the season."
Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide dominated La Monroe and used three quarterbacks in the game, something the Badgers may have to prepare for this upcoming Saturday.
And the Tide’s defense, which looked pedestrian against the Seminoles, looked as if they got its mojo back with a dominating performance. Players looked enthusiastic, knew their assignments, and were ready to play.
They hope to continue that against a much tougher opponent in Wisconsin. Another factor that may affect the Badgers' Saturday is the weather. It's supposed to be close to 90 degrees. So, if Luke Fickell’s team isn’t ready for Alabama, they'd better hurry up and get ready soon.