The rivalry between Penn State and Wisconsin is one of the most intense and storied in the Big Ten Conference. Both teams have a rich history of success, with numerous conference championships and bowl game victories between them. When these two teams face off on the gridiron, it's always a highly anticipated matchup that draws national attention. In this article, we'll delve into the history of the series, examine the current state of the programs, and provide expert analysis on what to expect when these two powerhouses collide.
Series History
Penn State and Wisconsin first met on the football field in 1958, with the Nittany Lions emerging victorious 20-14. Since then, the two teams have played each other 18 times, with Penn State holding a slight edge in the series 10-8. The Badgers have had their share of success, however, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s when they won five straight meetings. In recent years, the series has been marked by intense, closely contested games, with the average margin of victory being just 7.5 points.
Notable Games
One of the most memorable games in the series came in 2002, when Penn State defeated Wisconsin 20-14 in a thriller at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions’ defense held the Badgers to just 275 total yards, while quarterback Zack Mills threw for 154 yards and a touchdown. Another notable game was the 2011 meeting, which saw Wisconsin come from behind to win 45-44 in a wild shootout. The Badgers’ Montee Ball rushed for 164 yards and four touchdowns, while Penn State’s Matt McGloin threw for 201 yards and two scores.
| Year | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Penn State | 53-52 |
| 2018 | Penn State | 22-10 |
| 2017 | Ohio State | 39-38 |
| 2016 | Penn State | 38-31 |
Key Points
- Penn State leads the all-time series 10-8
- The average margin of victory in the series is 7.5 points
- Wisconsin has won five straight meetings in the series on two occasions
- Penn State's defense has held Wisconsin to under 300 total yards in three of the last five meetings
- The series has produced some of the most memorable games in Big Ten history, including the 2011 thriller and the 2019 instant classic
Current State of the Programs
Both Penn State and Wisconsin enter the 2023 season with high expectations. The Nittany Lions are coming off a 10-3 campaign in 2022, which included a dominant 35-21 win over Utah in the Rose Bowl. Quarterback Sean Clifford returns for his fifth season, and the team’s receiving corps is loaded with talent. The Badgers, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 6-6 season in 2022. New coach Luke Fickell brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, and the team’s defense is expected to be much improved.
Positional Breakdown
Penn State’s offense is expected to be one of the most potent in the Big Ten, with Clifford at the helm and a deep stable of running backs. The team’s defense, however, will need to replace several key contributors from last season’s unit. Wisconsin’s offense, meanwhile, will be led by quarterback Graham Mertz, who showed flashes of brilliance in 2022. The Badgers’ defense is expected to be much improved, with several key transfers and a strong recruiting class.
As the two teams prepare to face off in 2023, it's clear that this will be one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the season. With both teams boasting talented rosters and experienced coaching staffs, this game has all the makings of a classic. Will Penn State's high-powered offense be able to overcome Wisconsin's stingy defense, or will the Badgers' running game be able to grind out a win? The answer will have to wait until the two teams take the field.
What is the all-time series record between Penn State and Wisconsin?
+Penn State leads the all-time series 10-8.
Who is the current head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers?
+Luke Fickell is the current head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers.
What is the average margin of victory in the Penn State-Wisconsin series?
+The average margin of victory in the series is 7.5 points.
