Michigan and Wisconsin are two of the staple programs in the Big Ten. Both schools have been part of the conference since its founding year in 1896. These two programs both carry a lot of tradition and success. They also both reside in the Midwest and enjoy running the ball and playing tough defense.
As a Michigan football fan, you know it is going to be a tough game when you see Wisconsin on the schedule. This is especially true when it is a road game at Camp Randall Stadium. One of the best traditions in all of college football is the famous "Jump Around" after the third quarter in Madison. This series has seen some great games, great players, and legendary coaches. Let's dig into the numbers, one gritty victory for Michigan, and a look at what the future holds between these two Big Ten powers.
All time record: Michigan leads 49-15-1
Most recent meeting: Michigan won 38-17 in 2021
First meeting: Michigan won 16-0 in 1903
Largest margin of victory: Michigan 56-0 in 1977, Wisconsin 49-11 in 2020
Favorite game from the series: Michigan won 14-7 in 2016
Michigan vs Wisconsin in 2016 was an old school football game. Great defensive play, steady rushing attack, mediocre passing games and poor kicking. However, it was one of the most exciting games of the Harbaugh era at Michigan.
This Wek 5 showdown was a top ten battle as the number eight Badgers came to Ann Arbor to take on the number four Wolverines. Michigan took the lead 7-0 early in the second quarter on a Khalid Hill rushing touchdown.
The score would remain that way until 8:03 left in the third when Wisconsin scored on a wheel route to tie the game. The Michigan offense was moving the ball down the field the entire game, but could not finish drives. This was especially true for the kicking game as the Wolverines went 0-3 on field goal attempts. The game remained tied 7-7 until Amara Darboh stepped up in a big way with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. Speight hit Darboh on the sideline for a 46-yard touchdown that sent the Big House into a frenzy.
Teams traded defensive stops the rest of the game. The last stop was particularly special as Jourdan Lewis made one of the best defensive plays I have ever witnessed to seal the game for Michigan. Wisconsin threw a deep ball on a fourth and 10, and Lewis leaped, paused in midair, it seemed like, and came down with a one-handed interception. Truly one of the most remarkable ways to end a game I have ever seen. A special way to end such a special game. Michigan outgained Wisconsin 349 to 159 overall and gained 21 first downs compared to Wisconsin's eight. The scoreboard did not reflect how dominant the Michigan team was over Wisconsin that day.
Future outlook: Michigan will welcome Wisconsin to the Big House in Week 5 of the upcoming 2025 season. This game has been announced to either be a noon kickoff or a 3:30 start.
This will be the second Big Ten game of the year for Michigan. Wisconsin plays one of the toughest schedules in all of college football, and this Michigan game starts a stretch for them where they play Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, and Oregon in that order.
An absolute gauntlet awaits the Badgers this season. After this upcoming season, the next scheduled game between these two teams is in 2028. Luke Fickell has not exactly lived up to expectations so far in Madison. With the schedule being so difficult this year, it may add to the growing frustration around the program. However, if they surprise everyone with a good year, it will quickly silence the doubters. No matter how the season is going for them, I know it will be a tough, physical game when they come to Ann Arbor in week five.