by Cesar Tordesillas

Tuscaloosa, AL

Two-time defending BCS champion Alabama has announced that it will open its 2015 season against Wisconsin at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The Crimson Tide and the Badgers, who have won the Big Ten the past three seasons, will meet at the "Cowboys Stadium Classic" on Sept. 5, 2015 in just their second meeting since 1928.

"We understand that strength of schedule will be a factor in determining which teams earn the right to participate in the new four-team playoff system and we want to be in that mix," Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez said.

"There's no better way to do that than by playing the defending national champions. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to play a storied program like Alabama in a terrific venue like Cowboys Stadium," Alvarez added.

He emphasized that the game will be a great experience for Wisconsin's program, players and fans.

In the past, the Badgers have been criticized for not playing a tough non-conference schedule. They have not faced an SEC team since playing five consecutive bowl games against the conference from 2003-07, going 2-3 in those matchups.

Wisconsin has not played an SEC team in the regular season since losing to LSU in 1972. Alabama beat Michigan 41-14 in the 2012 season opener for both teams at Cowboys Stadium.

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BCS Champion Alabama to open 2015 season against Wisconsin