After 4 years with double-digit wins in Paul Chryst’s first 5 seasons, Wisconsin will finish below 10 wins in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2012-13. Wisconsin finished the shortened 2020 season with a 4-3 record but was able to go 8-4 during 2021.

A big reason for the struggles this season is related to a slow start. The Badgers opened the year 1-3 with losses to Penn State, Notre Dame, and Michigan. Fortunately, the emergence of true freshman Braelon Allen helped turn the season around.

Allen burst onto the scene and led the team in rushing with 1,109 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also averaged 7.1 yards per carry and was the leading force on a 7-game winning streak for Wisconsin.

Despite the somewhat rough stretch for the Badgers, Chryst has a chance to get the team to 9 wins in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl. Facing Wisconsin will be Arizona State after an 8-4 year in the Pac-12.

Heading into the matchup, ESPN’s Football Power Index is favoring the Badgers for the trip out west. According to the FPI, Wisconsin has a 61.4% of coming away with a bowl win.

Under Chryst, the Badgers have compiled a 5-1 record in bowl games. The lone loss came in the Rose Bowl against Oregon and star QB Justin Herbert.

Can Wisconsin rack up another postseason win? Thursday’s kickoff is set for 10:30 pm EST on ESPN.