The Washington State Cougars (1-0) travel to Camp Randall to face the Wisconsin Badgers (1-0) Saturday with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Washington State vs. Wisconsin odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
Wisconsin comes into this game after a dominant 38-0 victory in Week 1 against FCS opponent Illinois State. Riding the run game and the Jim Leonard-coached defense, the Badgers will look to slow down the Air Raid offense of the Cougars.
Washington State comes into this matchup after almost losing to the Idaho Vandals in Week 1. It took everything transfer QB Cameron Ward had to get the Cougars to the hard-fought 24-17 victory. That game was too close for comfort and far too close for the opening 20.5 spread.
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Washington State at Wisconsin odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 1:04 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Washington State +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Wisconsin -900 (bet $900 to win $100)
- Against The Spread (ATS): Washington State +17.5 (-117) | Wisconsin -17.5 (-103)
- Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -103 | U: -117)
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Washington State at Wisconsin picks and predictions
Prediction
Wisconsin 27 Washington 17
Money line
PASS.
Wisconsin has a real chance to win the Big Ten West. Washington State is simply looking to make a bowl. With this game being played in Madison, Wisconsin is the only play and it’s too pricey.
Against the spread
Wisconsin is better. But they are not 3 scores better. At least not yet. Cameron Ward can put up points and new Cougars coach Jake Dickert comes from the defensive side of the ball. This means he will look to slow down talented Badgers RB Braelon Allen. This will force QB Graham Mertz to beat the Cougars with his arm, which he has yet to show he can do. I still think the Badgers win, but it will be closer than the experts think.
Play the underdog in this one. WASHINGTON STATE +17.5.
Over/Under
Defense, Defense, Defense. Give me the UNDER 48.5 (-117)
The high-flying offense of Washington State only managed 24 points against an outmatched Idaho team last week. Even while trouncing Illinois State, Wisconsin only put up 38 points. This game could be a methodical ground and pound attack from Wisconsin against the pass game of Washington State. With the defense of Wisconsin playing stellar, they will force a lot of 3 and outs. On the other side, they will run the clock down with Allen. This should remain lower scoring. I like the Under.
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