It isn't often Wisconsin plays a nonconference game this late in the season - the last time the Badgers did so was Nov. 22, 2008 when they hosted Cal Poly - which turned out to be a tougher game than expected. (Wisconsin also played at Hawaii in 2007.)
The Cougars come into Camp Randall with a good record and having played a decent schedule. Will this one be tougher than that 2008 game?
Predictions are heavily leaning towards Wisconsin, although it seems as though there's no consensus on how the game will play out - high scoring or a defensive battle.
All that being said, here's this week's picks:
Our own Jesse Temple via his Know the Foe series: Wisconsin 14, BYU 10
The Associated Press' Ralph D. Russo: Wisconsin 35, BYU 24 (he also lists it as one of this week's marquee matchups).
All four Big Ten Network analysts are picking Wisconsin to win. The scores: Sean Merriman 35-21, Stephen Bardo 35-34, Tom Dienhart 33-24 and Brent Yarina 35-20.
Whatifsports.com simulation: Wisconsin given the edge, with a 62.4% chance of winning with an average margin of victory of 23.7-19.9.
ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett: Bennett -- Wisconsin 28, BYU 24. "I'm tempted to pick BYU because the Cougars have been on a roll and have the ability to put up points fast. Wisconsin is also pretty beat up right now. I'll stick with the Badgers because their run defense is very stout and the Camp Randall Stadium edge is just too much. It will be awfully close, however."; Rittenberg -- Wisconsin 34, BYU 26. "This is a sneaky-good game as both teams are better than their 6-2 records indicate, and both coaching staffs have a lot of familiarity from Gary Andersen's time in the state of Utah. Taysom Hill puts BYU on top early with some big plays, but Wisconsin's defense stiffens and the Badgers get strong performances from Melvin Gordon and James White, who combine for four touchdown dances on the day."
All six CBSSports.com analysts are picking Wisconsin to win but just three of six think the Badgers will cover a 7.5-point spread.
CBSSports.com's Bruce Feldman: Wisconsin 24, BYU 14.
Three of four Athlon Sports analysts are picking Wisconsin to win. The scores: Braden Gall, UW 34-28; Mitch Light, UW 38-28; Steven Lassan, UW 27-24; David Fox, BYU 28-24.
Each of the 10 analysts at the Sporting News pick Wisconsin to win.
SI.com's Stewart Mandel: Wisconsin 31, BYU 20
Coachingsearch.com's Pete Roussel and Chris Vannini: Roussel -- Wisconsin 20, BYU 17; Vannini -- Wisconsin 31, BYU 24.
All five at USAToday.com pick Wisconsin to win.
