Wisconsin football remains outside top 25 in USA TODAY's 1-138 re-rank

The Wisconsin Badgers have been a surprise in college football this season, despite an opening loss to Notre Dame that diminished the credit Luke Fickell had accumulated. Since then, they have displayed a formidable defense, contributing to their 5-2 start. However, despite their strong defense, the Badgers remain outside the top 25 in USA TODAY's latest re-ranking, sitting at 26th place.

This ranking question remains, even as the team's defense excels. The Badgers' offense, however, is considered one of the least impressive in the country. They average just 317.5 yards per game through the first seven games, placing them 116th among FBS teams. In their victories against power-conference opponents like Michigan State and Penn State, they have managed to achieve over 300 yards just twice.

During their notable upset over USC, the Badgers' offense generated only 58 passing yards and 200 total yards. The team's ongoing ability to turn big wins into defensive confrontations leaves them vulnerable against any power-conference team. Their next challenge will be against the Iowa Hawkeyes, another formidable defense. The game kicks off at 12 PM ET, with streaming available on FOX.