The Michigan Wolverines are back in action this weekend as they welcome the Wisconsin Badgers for the first Big Ten game of 2025 at the Big House. Here’s how you can watch the game:
After a weekend off, the Michigan Wolverines return to the Big House on Saturday to take on the Wisconsin Badgers. After starting of 2-0, the Badgers have sputtered in their last two games at Alabama and then in Madison as 10-point favorites against Maryland.
Meanwhile, Bryce Underwood led the Wolverines to an important win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln two weeks ago. The last time he and this team played in the Big House, they dominated Central Michigan in a 63-3 blowout.
Both teams have had two weeks to prepare for this game, but Vegas and many others favor the Wolverines. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the game on Saturday.
No. 20 Michigan Wolverines vs Wisconsin Badgers
- Day: Saturday, Oct. 4 2025
- TV: FOX
- Time: Noon ET
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Weather: 74 degrees, sunny
- Odds: Michigan -16.5, O/U: 42.5
These two teams are coming out of their bye weeks with much different sentiments. “Fire Fickell” chants were echoing around Camp Randall a couple weeks ago not only because of the loss, but also because quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. was rushed back from his knee injury and re-aggravated it. The desire to play his former team potentially cost him more time in Big Ten play. It’s the third year in a row a Wisconsin starting quarterback has missed significant time.
But it’s not just that, as the Badgers have lost their identity altogether. Gone are the days of beefy offensive linemen paving the path for big, athletic running backs. They are averaging just 3.1 yards per carry this season and their leading rusher has 154 yards. That, along with an underperforming defense, have been the real downfall of this team.
Meanwhile, Michigan has stayed true to its identity through a coaching change and just came off a huge win at Nebraska. Despite some worrisome moments, Michigan has maintained its identity of moving the ball on the ground. Since the Oklahoma loss, the team has been much more balanced in its approach. Underwood adds an interesting element as he continue to make improvements through the air and has the capability to pick up yards with his legs.
Without Edwards, Wisconsin has turned to San Diego State transfer Danny O’Neil. He is completing 70.6 percent of his passes, but has five touchdowns and five interceptions. Most of his completions come underneath coverage and there has been little threat down the field. Under pressure, he tries to get things done with his feet, but it’s shown little results. He’s also been sacked 10 times in the last two games — Jaishawn Barham and the pass rush should have a field day while the secondary could get a few opportunities to pick the ball off.
Michigan should lead the way in the trenches on both sides of this game. That’s probably why the Wolverines are 16.5-point favorites. We’ve been riding Big Ten overs for the most part this season, and that’s not going to change this week. The over has hit in five of Wisconsin’s last six road games and each of the last seven home games for Michigan. The way this offense has been trending and with the spread where it is, I like the chances of this game hitting the over in the low 40s.
The play: o42.5 (-110)
Season Total: 13-7 (+4.85 units)
Other top games in Week 5
3:30 ET (ESPN) – No. 9 Texas Longhorns vs Florida Gators
- The play: UF +6.5 (+100) (waiting til closer to gametime to see if I can get a TD)
3:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – No. 16 Vanderbilt Commodores vs No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide
- The play: u56.5 (-110)
7:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – No. 3 Miami Hurricanes vs No. 18 Florida State Seminoles
- The play: o54.5 (-105)
Category: General Sports
