The Predictions:
Adam Hoge (3-0, +42): Wisconsin 42, Austin Peay 13
Jake Harris (3-0, +48): Wisconsin 56, Austin Peay 0
John Veldhuis (3-0, +59): Wisconsin 48, Austin Peay 17
Adam Tupitza (3-0, +63): Wisconsin 44, Austin Peay 14
Phil Mitten (1-0, +4): Wisconsin 45, Austin Peay 10
The Reasoning
Only time will tell whether Austin Peay is an adequate warm-up for the grueling Big Ten slate the Badgers embark upon next week. Even the best FCS teams would have a tough time beating Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium, and the Governors aren't even very competitive within their own low-tier conference.
Austin Peay is just 13-20 under fourth-year head coach Rick Christophel. The Governors have had just two winning seasons in the past 25 years. Early results suggest they won't be bucking the trend this year. Their defense allowed 654 total yards and 32 first downs to Middle Tennessee State in the second week of the season.
Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema insists the team will play its starters, at least until the game is out of reach. It is noteworthy, though, that starting wide receivers Nick Toon and David Gilreath are being held out as they recover from injuries, even though they probably would take the field if this were a Big Ten contest.
Badger fans will still take an interest in this game, since they have yet to see Wisconsin put together a complete effort on both sides of the ball this season. Last week's win over Arizona State was actually a pretty impressive display of grit and resilience, given the number of players that were hurt and the breakdowns on special teams. Still, there is no excuse for anything other than touchdowns in the red zone for the offense and stops on third down for the defense against Austin Peay.
Wisconsin wins this one by halftime and then gets ready for a challenging road trip to Michigan State.
Who has the edge?
Offense: Wisconsin
Defense: Wisconsin
Special Teams: Wisconsin
Coaching: Wisconsin
Intangibles: Wisconsin
-Jake Harris