ESPN’s FPI predicts outcome of Wisconsin’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl appearance

ESPN’s FPI is predicting the outcome of the games throughout college football’s postseason. Out of the B1G, that includes Wisconsin’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl game against Oklahoma State.

Wisconsin heads into the game after a 6-6 regular season after finishing the year 4-3 under interim head coach Jim Leonhard. The Badgers have won back-to-back bowl games, but this particular bowl game features a number of interesting storylines.

For starters, both programs have staring quarterbacks currently in the transfer portal. Wisconsin’s Graham Mertz and Oklahoma State’s Spencer Sanders are both in the portal and looking to move elsewhere.

At Wisconsin, the Badgers are also dealing with the regime changeover to new head coach Luke Fickell. While Jim Leonhard is sticking with the program through the bowl game, it will be his final send-off after electing to depart Madison as opposed to staying on staff for Fickell.

According to the Football Power Index, the Badgers will be the favorite for the bowl game in Phoenix, Arizona, but it is expected to be a close game. The FPI is currently giving the Badgers a 53.4% chance of winning the bowl game and sending Leonhard out on top one final time.

Can Wisconsin make it a winning transition to the Fickell era, or will a disappointing 2022 season end in a loss? Kickoff from Chase Field is set for 10:15 pm ET on Dec. 27.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.