Wisconsin Football's Narrowest Escapes vs. FCS

Wisconsin football maintains an undefeated record against Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponents, with a perfect 14-0 standing. However, this unblemished history includes several instances where victory was far from guaranteed.

The Badgers' most precarious encounter with an FCS team happened in 2008. Facing Cal Poly, a team that finished 7-6 that season, Wisconsin struggled significantly. In a dramatic overtime finish, the Badgers narrowly secured a 36-35 win after Cal Poly missed a crucial extra point.

More recently, in 2026, Wisconsin secured a 27-13 victory over South Dakota. This win, while decisive, was not a blowout, as the Badgers held only a seven-point lead entering the fourth quarter, indicating a more competitive game than typically seen against FCS competition.

Historically, Wisconsin has achieved dominant wins as well, such as the 70-3 rout of Austin Peay in 2010, showcasing their potential to overwhelm lesser opponents. Despite these blowouts and their perfect record, the close calls highlight the potential for upsets in college football.