I’m not sure there was a way
Structurally Wisconsin always has been closer to Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan state than Michigan state, Ohio state, and Penn state
Lucky for Wisconsin they were in the leaders at the same time Penn state and Ohio state were on probation combined with Michigan being down. This led to the illusion of Wisconsin being a top 15 program in the nation. In reality, they’re a 16-40 program and always have been. Which is great but it means they can’t get pissed at 9-4. They’re Nebraska without changing conferences and without national titles