Michigan-Wisconsin: Rivalry's Recent History Marked By Close Games

The Big Ten season is upon the Michigan Wolverines, who welcome a familiar foe to the Big House this weekend. Wisconsin is not thought of as one of Michigan's rivals, but they certainly have made a case for themselves to be considered one of the Wolverines' toughest competitors. Although Michigan has dominated the all-time series, games between the Wolverines and Badgers have been really close over the years—especially within the past 10 years. Since the 1998 season, the average margin of victory in eight games between the two have been 8.75 points—and that's mostly due to three games decided by 16, 16, and 17 points. Five of those games were decided by seven points or less. The last two years have seen the 16-point difference, with Michigan winning in 2006 and losing in 2007. Wisconsin has definitely proven to be one of the tougher teams in the Big Ten to deal with, and as far as conference powers go, the Badgers are right below Michigan and Ohio State. The Badgers used to ... (link)