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Three last-minute Wisconsin football vs. UCLA Week 7 predictions

The Wisconsin Badgers head to the Rose Bowl looking to improve to 5-1 (3-0).

The Wisconsin Badgers head to the Rose Bowl looking to improve to 5-1 (3-0).

Should Luke Fickell's squad come out on top, it would be their second-ranked road win of the season, and there's no doubt they would head into next week with a number attached to their name.

Obviously, Wisconsin can't get too far ahead of itself. The momentum seems to be shifting the closer this one gets to kickoff, and UCLA's odds shifted in a big way once it was determined that they'd be without Nico Iamaleava for the rest of the year.

Just hours before kickoff, here are three last-minute predictions for this primetime Big Ten showdown.

Wisconsin's defense remains elite

Wisconsin linebacker Mason Posa (8) is shown during football practice Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

UW is well-rested and has already gone to a hostile environment and picked up a win this season, mostly due to how well they played defense.

The Badgers held Penn State to 20 points, and then they allowed just three against Michigan State back at home.

UCLA's offense is going to look entirely different, and if Wisconsin is able to stop the run, they'll be in good shape.

Joseph has another big game on the ground

Oct 3, 2026; Madison, Wisconsin, USA;  Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) looks to the sidelines during the third quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Whether or not Abu Sama plays, there are plenty of reasons to believe in Wisconsin's ground game with Colton Joseph.

The Old Dominion transfer finally had his breakout performance against Michigan State as he threw for three touchdowns and ran for another.

He's found the back of the endzone using his legs in three straight games, and that's a trend that should continue on the West Coast.

UW does the unthinkable

Oct 3, 2026; Madison, Wisconsin, USA;  Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell during the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

It's hard to remember the last time the Badgers had this much momentum going into a road game against the No. 12 team in the nation.

Wisconsin's bye week couldn't have come at a better time, and some would argue they're lucky not to be facing Iamaleava, but they still have to go out and get the job done, and that's something this team is absolutely able to accomplish.

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