The Wisconsin Badgers have been playing better football as of late, with higher expectations for a closer game against the No. 21 Illinois Fighting Illini. Not

Wisconsin picked up a ranked win over the Washington Huskies two weeks ago with very similar circumstances, and now faces an Illinois team that lost by 17 to that same Washington team. It is going to be challenging, but Wisconsin can give the Illini some trouble, and here’s how.

Illinois will be looking for its third consecutive victory when it travels to face reeling Wisconsin in a Big Ten matchup Saturday in Madison, Wis.

The Wisconsin Badgers have nothing to play for except pride and bragging rights when they host their former coach, Bret Bielema, and the Illinois Fighting Illini this Saturday in Madison, Wisconsin. Illinois enters the game riding a two-game winning streak.

At the end of a four-game homestand, No. 24 Wisconsin (3-0) hosts SIUE (3-1). The Badgers and Cougars haven’t met in 27 years. Following Monday’s contest, UW will takes its show out West for three games between a non-conference matchup with BYU and the Rady Children’s

Wisconsin was defeated by Indiana 31-7 on Saturday, Nov. 15. Carter Smith passed for 98 yards on 9-of-15 attempts (60.0%) with one touchdown and one interception. Gideon Ituka had 32 rushing yards on nine carries, adding one reception for zero yards. Mason put up 45 yards on one catch with one touchdown.

The total set by FanDuel is 43.5, so they’re expecting a low-scoring affair, something in the range of 26-18 in favor of Illinois. Moneyline for Illinois is -320, and +255 for Luke Fickell’s crew.

Mimi Colyer's 24 kills and Wisconsin's nine service aces were among the highlights of the Badgers' sweep over Illinois.