LOOK: Wisconsin gives up-close view of special uniforms for Notre Dame game

Wisconsin heads to Chicago this weekend to take on Notre Dame in the premiere matchup of Week 4, and the Badgers will don special uniforms honoring their state and their stadium. 

The all-white “Forward” uniforms first released in June are a tribute to Wisconsin’s state motto, “Forward,” which is written across the top of the state flag. Both the helmet and pants will feature Wisconsin’s regular logo, the Motion W, and “Forward” will be written across the iconic symbol. 

On the back of the uniform just above the players’ names will be six red stars, which can be found outside of their stadium on the Camp Randall Memorial Arch in Madison. The star plaque honors the 70,000 people from the state that passed through Camp Randall, which was a Union Army training site during the Civil War from 1861-1865. 

A full look at the 2021 Forward jerseys

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) September 21, 2021

Notre Dame will sport special uniforms of their own for the Shamrock Series game, a collection of neutral site games played across the country since 2009. The Irish will wear their typical navy jerseys with gold pants, but the sleeves of the jerseys will feature two gold stripes as a tribute to the Chicago flag, which has light blue stripes to represent the city’s rivers. Additionally, the back of the helmet will feature four small stars like the red ones in the middle of the city’s flag.

Low-scoring battle expected at Soldier Field

Wisconsin enters Saturday’s contest as a six-point favorite, and with an over/under of just 46.5, experts are clearly expecting a defensive battle in Chicago. 

This game will almost certainly be won in the trenches. Notre Dame’s defense has totaled 13 sacks over three games, the most they’ve amassed since 1996. On the other side of the ball, they’ve allowed 14 sacks as the offensive line has four new full-time starters, and Wisconsin transfer Jack Coan’s specialty is not mobility. The Badgers front seven will certainly look to get pressure on their former teammate. 

Wisconsin’s defense is allowing 11.5 points per game, although the sample size of two games is very small. Penn State and Eastern Michigan rushed for a total of 66 yards against them.

Notre Dame has one of the best running back duos in the country in Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree, but the backs are not off to the best start. Williams provided a spark last weekend after catching a 39-yard touchdown and rushing for a 51-yard score, but facing the Wisconsin defense will be an entirely different situation.

Wisconsin’s offense is averaging 22 points per game and will look to get quarterback Graham Mertz on the right track after a subpar start. The sophomore is 36-for-54 with 326 yards and two interceptions this season.