Wisconsin Badgers betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 6

Iowa Hawkeyes at Wisconsin Badgers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Iowa Hawkeyes at Wisconsin Badgers odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Iowa Hawkeyes (11-3, 1-2 Big Ten) visit the No. 23 Wisconsin Badgers (11-2, 2-1) Thursday at the Kohl Center for a 9 p.m. tip-off (on FS1). Below, we look at the Iowa vs. Wisconsin odds and lines and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Iowa enters on a four-game win streak, recently beating Maryland 80-75 Monday but failing to cover as a 9.5-point home favorite. The Hawkeyes opened the season 7-0, dropped their next three – including Big Ten losses at now-No. 3 Purdue and home to Illinois – before their four-game run.

Led by G Johnny Davis‘ career-high 37 points, Wisconsin is coming of a 74-69 upset at Purdue Monday. Davis, who also finished with 14 rebounds and 2 blocked shots, helped the 13-point underdog Badgers win in West Lafayette for the first time in six tries. They have won three in a row since a 73-55 loss at now-No. 12 Ohio State Dec. 11.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Iowa at Wisconsin odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Iowa +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Wisconsin -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Iowa +2.5 (-112) | Wisconsin -2.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

ATS records: Iowa 9-5 | Wisconsin 8-5

O/U records: Iowa 10-3-1 | Wisconsin 8-5

Iowa at Wisconsin odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wisconsin 69, Iowa 64

Money line

PASS. Instead of paying the -145 juice on the Badgers, I prefer to lay the points below.

Against the spread

WISCONSIN -2.5 (-108) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager.

Most of Iowa’s victories came against cupcakes. When the Hawkeyes faced better competition, they went 2-3.

Iowa beat Virginia and Maryland and lost to Purdue, Illinois and No. 11 Iowa State.

The Badgers fit into the “better competition” category. They have impressive non-conference victories over Texas A&M (12-2), No. 14 Houston (13-2) and Saint Mary’s (12-3)

Plus, Wisconsin is tough at home, where it is 6-1 this season. The one loss was to 5-point underdog Providence in the third game of the season.

The Hawkeyes are 1-2 on the road, including 0-2 in the conference.

All signs point to WISCONSIN -2.5 (-108).

Over/Under

Bet UNDER 145.5 (-107) to WIN A HALF UNIT.

While the Hawkeyes are a high-scoring squad, averaging 87.4 points per game (PPG) to rank second in the country, there’s just something about playing the Badgers, who surrender 63.6 PPG.

Iowa only scored 62 points in a 5-point home win vs. Wisconsin last March. In the Hawkeyes’ last three trips to Madison, they scored 77, 45 and 59 while going 1-2.

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Wisconsin at Purdue odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Wisconsin Badgers at Purdue Boilermakers odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 23 Wisconsin Badgers (10-2, 1-1 Big Ten) and No. 3 Purdue Boilermakers (12-1, 1-1) tussle in a Big Ten showdown Monday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind. Below, we look at the Wisconsin vs. Purdue odds and lines and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

After having a Dec. 23 non-conference home game against George Mason nixed due to COVID-19 protocols, Wisconsin returned to action Wednesday – after a 13-day layoff – with a shaky 89-85 win over Illinois State. UW allowed a season-high 57.5 effective field-goal percentage in the win. ISU went 9-for-22 behind the 3-point line – defending the perimeter has been a consistent problem for the Badgers.

The Boilermakers have won four in a row after dropping a league game at Rutgers Dec. 9. Purdue is coming off a sluggish game – at least a sluggish start to a game – in a Wednesday non-conference affair against the Nicholls Colonels. Purdue trailed 17-11 through six minutes and change before righting the ship and cruising to a 104-90 win. The Boilermakers led by 18-20 points for most of the second half, but they never came close to covering a 29-point spread.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Wisconsin at Purdue odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:32 p.m. ET.

Money line: Wisconsin +570 (bet $100 to win $570) | Purdue -900 (bet $900 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Wisconsin +12.5 (-107) | Purdue -12.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 139.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Wisconsin at Purdue odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Purdue 78, Wisconsin 64

Money line

PASS. Look to the O/U for the top play in this one.

Against the spread

The Badgers are 0-3 against the number in their last three games. The Boilermakers are 1-5 ATS across their last six. The home team is 6-1-1 ATS in the last eight series meetings.

Purdue figures to have a sizable edge on the boards and in shooting the ball from just about anywhere. Look for the home five to be dialed in for this Big Ten test after the non-conference doldrums over the holidays. But the spread is a hefty one, and the lean is small.

Consider a partial-unit play on PURDUE -12.5 (-115).

Over/Under

The Over is 4-0 in the Boilermakers’ last four games vs. a team with a winning record. When Purdue scores 100 in a game, the Over is 7-1 the next time out.

Neither side plays an up-tempo style, but the Boilermakers have a dynamic and efficient offense. This total has the look of the public expecting a Badgers defense circa 2019 of 2020. Both sides excel at getting to the foul line. Look for this game to get into the 140s.

BACK THE OVER 139.5 (-115).

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Las Vegas Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Arizona State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Wisconsin Badgers vs. Arizona State Sun Devils Las Vegas Bowl odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Wisconsin Badgers (8-4) meet the Arizona State Sun Devils (8-4) Thursday at the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Wisconsin vs. Arizona State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The good news for Wisconsin is that it doesn’t have any notable players opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft. However, S Collin Wilder, who had 32 tackles, 3 interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, will be missed.

The Badgers lost Paul Bunyan’s axe to the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the regular-season finale (Nov. 27), but Wisconsin wrapped up the season 7-1 straight up and 5-3 against the spread in the final eight outings.

The Sun Devils will be down two key offensive players as RB Rachaad White opted out to prepare for the draft and RB Deamonte Trayanum hit the transfer portal. On defense, CBs Jack Jones and Chase Lucas also opted out. Jones posted 3 interceptions and a team-high 3 forced fumbles, so he’ll be missed.

See also: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin vs. Arizona State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:57 p.m. ET.

Money line: Wisconsin -320 (bet $320 to win $100) | Arizona State +250 (bet $100 to win $250)
Against the spread (ATS): Wisconsin -7.5 (+100) | Arizona State +7.5 (-125)
Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Wisconsin vs. Arizona State odds, lines, picks and predictions

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Prediction

Wisconsin 29, Arizona State 13

Money line

Wisconsin (-320) will cost you more than three times your potential return. That’s just way too expensive.

PASS and focus on the spread instead.

Against the spread

The best play on the board is WISCONSIN -7.5 (+100). Arizona State just had too many losses, particularly in the backfield and secondary.

The Badgers were actually No. 1 in the nation with just 241.4 total yards and 65.8 rushing yards per game allowed, while yielding just 16.4 points per game. The Sun Devils will have real difficulty moving the ball without their star tailback.

Over/Under

The OVER 41.5 (-112) is the lean, ever so slightly. Just don’t get carried away as Wisconsin doesn’t allow much defensively. However, the Badgers should be able to move the ball up and down the field against an Arizona State D missing key pieces in the secondary.

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Indiana at Wisconsin odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Indiana at Wisconsin odds and lines, with NCAAM expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Indiana Hoosiers (7-1, 1-0 Big Ten) and No. 17 Wisconsin Badgers (7-1, 0-0) are lined up for a 7 p.m. ET Wednesday at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. Below, we look at the Indiana vs. Wisconsin odds and lines and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Indiana’s only loss came two games back when the Hoosiers fell to Syracuse 112-110 in double-overtime. IU responded with a 68-55 triumph in its Big Ten opener, which was Saturday versus Nebraska. The overtime score against Syracuse aside, Indiana has been quite good on defense through the season’s first month of action. Wednesday’s game at Madison is a match-up of the Big Ten’s No. 1 defense (Wisconsin, 59.1 points per game) and the league’s No. 5 defense (IU, 63.8).

The Badgers clocked an 89-76 win over Marquette Saturday. The win by 13 came after three straight Wisconsin victories by margins of two scores or less. UW is 3-1 at home; the team’s lone loss came at home against Providence Nov. 15. Since then, the Badgers are 5-0 straight up and 5-0 against the spread.

Indiana at Wisconsin odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Indiana +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Wisconsin -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Indiana +4.5 (-120) | Wisconsin -4.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 132.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Indiana at Wisconsin odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wisconsin 67, Indiana 63

Money line

PASS. The Under looks to be the best play in this one. For sides, Wisconsin minus the points has just a tiny margin for some action, and that’s better than what you’ll find here.

Against the spread

The Hoosiers are 0-6 ATS in their last six games as an underdog. The Badgers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games as a favorite. Across the last 10 series meetings, Wisconsin is 7-3 ATS vs. Indiana.

Both these teams are solid with their inside defense. But in that matchup, the Hoosiers may rely a bit too much on points in the paint. How a young IU team responds on the road – a young team that has thus far played an easy schedule – will dictate whether this is a one-score game or something else. The best play here, though by a small degree in a low-scoring environment, is on the something else.

TAKE THE BADGERS -4.5 (-108).

Over/Under

Wisconsin plays a slow-tempo game and one more dependent on 2-point baskets without a lot of second looks. These are both young teams that generally look to avoid a lot of foul trouble, and that may keep free throws in check here as well.

BACK THE UNDER 132.5 (-110).

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Nebraska at Wisconsin odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Nebraska Cornhuskers at Wisconsin Badgers odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 20 Wisconsin Badgers (7-3, 5-2 in Big Ten) hosts the Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-7, 1-6) Saturday for a Big Ten West battle at Camp Randall Stadium. The kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nebraska vs. Wisconsin odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Nebraska entered its bye in Week 11 with a 26-17 loss to the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes as 14-point home underdogs on Nov. 6.

The Cornhuskers have lost four straight and six of their last seven games, five of which were by a one-score margin.

Nebraska is 5-4-1 ATS and 4-5-1 O/U with the 15th-toughest strength of schedule, according to USA Today’s Jeff Sagarin.

Wisconsin won its sixth consecutive game Saturday by teeing off on the Northwestern Wildcats 35-7 as 25.5-point home favorites. The Badgers are 6-4 ATS and 5-5 O/U with the 12th-toughest schedule, according to Sagarin.

The Badgers have won eight of their nine meetings with the Cornhuskers (6-3 ATS) since Nebraska joined the Big Ten in 2011. Last season’s Wisconsin-Nebraska was canceled due to the Covid-altered 2020 season.

Nebraska at Wisconsin odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6 p.m. ET.

Money line: Nebraska +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | Wisconsin -420 (bet $420 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nebraska +9.5 (-105) | Wisconsin -9.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Nebraska at Wisconsin odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wisconsin 24, Nebraska 21

Money line

PASS with a slight “lean” to Nebraska (+320) because I’m taking the Cornhuskers plus the points and if I were to bet any side of this money line it would be the road team at a chunky payout.

I know Nebraska fans aren’t stoked about their 3-win season currently and had higher hopes for head coach Scott Frost’s tenure. But, Nebraska has shown up vs. some good teams this season.

Six of Nebraska’s seven losses have been by one score and the Cornhuskers are due for a big upset. Nebraska hung around with No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes and held a fourth-quarter lead against the No. 7. Michigan Wolverines.

Against the spread

BET NEBRASKA +9,5 (-105) for 1 unit because the Cornhuskers have played tight games all season long.

Also, since Frost took over the program in 2018, Nebraska is 8-4 ATS as a road underdog and 6-5 ATS vs. ranked teams.

Furthermore, we have “reverse line movement” in Nebraska’s direction. For instance, Circa Sports in Las Vegas opened this game with Wisconsin laying 10 points.

According to Pregame.com, roughly two-thirds of the handle is on Wisconsin but the line has been lowered. I don’t know about you but I get suspicious whenever I see sportsbooks make the more popular side cheaper.

Also, I think this is a good sell-high spot for a Wisconsin team that’s pasted opponents over the past five weeks. The Badgers are a solid squad but they are due for a dogfight in Big Ten play. I think Nebraska gives Wisconsin a game on Saturday.

Over/Under

PASS since my predicted score is fairly close to the projected total and I don’t have a great read on this one either way.

For what it’s worth, Nebraska-Wisconsin opened with a 40.5-point total at Circa Sports and has been steamed up to 43.5.

At the current price, we are seeing more money come in on the Under whereas more bets have been placed on the Over.

Typically, I’d like to follow the money in this spot especially when it’s opposite of the public. But, I’m not sold on either direction of the total.

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Wisconsin at Rutgers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Wisconsin Badgers at Rutgers Scarlet Knights odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Wisconsin Badgers (5-3, 3-2 in Big Ten) drop by SHI Stadium Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. ET tussle with the conference co-tenant Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-4, 1-4). Below, we look at the Wisconsin vs. Rutgers odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

After losing three of its first four games, Wisconsin has rattled off four consecutive victories (3-1 against the spread), including a 27-7 beatdown of the No. 16 Iowa Hawkeyes as 3-point home favorites last weekend.

Wisconsin’s defense allows the fewest yards per play and second-fewest points per game in the Big Ten. The Badgers are 4-4 ATS and 3-5 Over/Under (O/U).

Rutgers snapped a four-game conference losing skid by beating the Illinois Fighting Illini 20-14 as 1.5-point road favorites in Week 9. The Scarlet Knights rank 105th or worse in points per play, third-down conversion rate, and red zone scoring rate.

Rutgers is 5-3 ATS and 3-5 O/U.

Wisconsin at Rutgers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 p.m. ET.

Money line: Wisconsin -550 (bet $550 to win $100) | Rutgers +400 (bet $100 to win $400)
Against the spread (ATS): Wisconsin -12.5 (-115) | Rutgers +12.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: -117 | U: -103)

Wisconsin at Rutgers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wisconsin 20, Rutgers 16

Money line

PASS even though the Badgers should win this game because Wisconsin (-5500) is way out of my price range for a favorite in a conference game.

Even though I’m on Rutgers plus the points, I cannot back the Scarlet Knights to pull off an upset because Wisconsin has it rolling after struggling to start the year.

Against the spread

BET RUTGERS +12.5 (-105) for 1 unit because the Scarlet Knights have the run defense and are good enough situationally to keep this game inside of a 10-point margin.

For instance, Wisconsin runs the ball at the fifth-highest volume in the nation. But, Rutgers’ defense ranks top-30 in rushing predicted points added (PPA), rushing success rate and line yards per snap.

Furthermore, if Rutgers can hold Wisconsin to 3rd-and-longs then it’ll get off the field fast. Rutgers has the ninth-best 3rd-down defense while Wisconsin is 123rd in 3rd-down conversion rate.

Also, Rutgers is 25th in red zone defense so Wisconsin may settle for field goals on long drives.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 37.5 (-103) for a small wager if at all because I prefer the Rutgers’ side more than the total in this contest. However, both offenses love to run the ball and each team has a stout rush defense.

In fact, Wisconsin has the best defensive efficiency in the Big Ten and Rutgers has one of the least efficient offenses in the conference.

Also, we can fade the public, which is backing the Over presumably based on the logic of “this total is too low”. According to Pregame.com, roughly 65 percent of the cash is on the Over but the total hasn’t budged from the opener.

On top of that, Wisconsin has played to the Under in seven of its past nine conference games and Rutgers has played to the Under in seven of its past eight Big Ten contests.

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Iowa at Wisconsin odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Iowa Hawkeyes at Wisconsin Badgers odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) travel to meet the Wisconsin Badgers (4-3, 2-2) Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we look at the Iowa vs. Wisconsin odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Hawkeyes were humbled 24-7 at home against Purdue last time out (Oct. 16). Iowa has had two weeks to stew about the setback, which knocked them from the ranks of the unbeaten.

The Badgers also faced Purdue in their last game, rolling to a 30-13 victory in West Lafayette last Saturday to bring the Boilermakers crashing back to Earth. Wisconsin has won three straight, outscoring the opposition 74-27 in the process.

Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Iowa at Wisconsin odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 4:47 p.m. ET.

Money line: Iowa +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Wisconsin -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Iowa +3.5 (-130) | Wisconsin -3.5 (+105)
Over/Under (O/U): 36.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Iowa at Wisconsin odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 16, Wisconsin 13

Money line

IOWA (+140) is worth a look as it looks to rebound after the pounding from Purdue. The Hawkeyes have had two weeks to regroup and study. They’ll come away with the slight road upset, bringing The Heartland Trophy back to Iowa City.

Against the spread

IOWA +3.5 (-130) is even more attractive catching the three and a hook if you don’t trust Wisconsin straight up. The road team has covered in 10 of the previous 14 meetings in this series, and Iowa is 6-1 ATS in the past seven trips to Madison.

While the Hawkeyes have really struggled on offense all season, Iowa has had two weeks to work up a plan to surprise Wisconsin.

Over/Under

UNDER 36.5 (-105) is the slight lean, although it’s only worth a small-unit play. This is a tremendously low line in this day and age of video game-like football with big-time offense and occasional defense. However, Iowa ranks third in the nation with 14.6 points per game (PPG) allowed, and just 89.7 rushing yards per game allowed.

Wisconsin has yielded 18.4 PPG to rank 17th in the country, and it’s the top defensive unit against the run with just 53.3 yards per game. Wisconsin also allows just 223.0 yards per game to rank second in the land.

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Wisconsin at Purdue odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Wisconsin Badgers at Purdue Boilermakers odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Wisconsin Badgers (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) take on the Purdue Boilermakers (4-2, 2-1) Saturday at 3 p.m. ET at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Below, we look at the Wisconsin vs. Purdue odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Wisconsin defeated Army 24-17 Oct. 16 and heads to Purdue with a two-game win streak in tow. It has been all-defense, no-offense through the Badgers’ first six games. UW ranks second in the nation in total defense (225.8 yards per game). It ranks 90th in offense (367.0 YPG).

The Boilermakers are coming off a 24-7 win over then-No. 2 Iowa. Purdue had four interceptions in the upset. The Boilers had just two picks on the season prior to that. Junior WR David Bell had 11 catches for 240 yards and 2 touchdowns in the victory. Purdue passed for 378 yards vs. Iowa, and the Boilermakers have outgained 6 of 6 opponents in the air this season.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Wisconsin at Purdue odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 8:44 a.m. ET.

Money line: Wisconsin -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Purdue +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
Against the spread (ATS): Wisconsin -3.5 (+102) | Purdue +3.5 (-125)
Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Wisconsin at Purdue odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wisconsin 28, Purdue 24

Money line

Wisconsin is a slight lean here, but concentrating on the ATS play is recommended. PASS.

Against the spread

The road team has won six straight ATS in this series, and Wisconsin is 7-0 ATS in its last seven trips to Ross-Ade Stadium.

The Badgers have an inept passing attack. They’ve been awful in converting third downs and red-zone opportunities. Wisconsin’s 161.7 passing yards per game rank 116th in FBS. While that has fed into its conversion problems, it doesn’t do so fully.

So, UW is going to want to run a lot but looks to be pretty solid against the ground game. What gives? The Boilermakers have somewhat padded this category against teams not proficient in the run game. Wisconsin found its way to a lot of rushing yards the last two weeks despite being one-dimensional.

The Badgers’ -11 turnover margin is the worst in the nation. A clean-ish game swings UW’s way by 6-10 points Saturday. TAG WISCONSIN -3.5 (+102) AS A SLIGHT LEAN.

Over/Under

Look for both offenses to find a bit more success in finishing drives. Purdue’s points-against number (14.0 PPG) has been heavily influenced by the Boilermakers allowing touchdowns on just 33.3% of red-zone trips.

PEG THE OVER 40.5 (-112) WITH SOME VALUE.

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Army at Wisconsin odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Army at Wisconsin odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

As part of an action-packed football Saturday, the Army Black Knights (4-1) will travel to take on the Wisconsin Badgers (2-3). The game is set to kick at 8 p.m. ET at Camp Randall Stadium Below, we look at the Army at Wisconsin odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Wisconsin’s record may not indicate that it’s entering as heavy favorites, but when noticing losses to Notre Dame, Penn State and Michigan, all top-15 teams, the record becomes more respectable.

The Badgers are led by sophomore QB Graham Mertz, a former four-star recruit. Rushing the ball 61 times in its last game (24-0 win vs. Illinois Oct. 9), it’s clear where Wisconsin would like to focus moving forward.

As for Army, it has held its opponents to under 50 yards on the ground in three of its five games this season. It only lost to Ball State so far this season.

Wisconsin and next week’s matchup against Wake Forest will truly test this Army side. While an underdog, Army is nearing 35 points per game, so this shouldn’t be an easy steamrolling at home for the Badgers.

Army at Wisconsin odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Army +440 (bet $100 to win $440) | Wisconsin -650 (bet $650 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Army +13.5 (-102) | Wisconsin -13.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

Army at Wisconsin odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wisconsin 24, Army 13

Money line

PASS. While I like Wisconsin to win at home, it hasn’t proven enough for the -650 to even be close to worthwhile. I’d stay far away from its money line and look toward a better value.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to ARMY +13.5 (-102) as the better of the two options on the spread.

Army has been playing well this season, and its defense should limit Wisconsin’s run game. Army ranks fourth in the nation in opponents’ yards per rush, while Wisconsin ranks first.

While many of Army’s wins haven’t been overly impressive, like not completing a single pass against Miami (OH), the Badgers have a banged-up Mertz and will be playing right into Army’s style of play.

Given the strong run defense and heavy reliance on the run by both programs, I’d expect a low-scoring game, one in which Army should be able to hang close.

Over/Under

BET on the UNDER 37.5 (-105) as the no-brainer gamble of the game. What Wisconsin’s defense did to Illinois’ offense last week was mightily impressive.

The Badgers held the Fighting Illini scoreless. Earlier in the season, they held Penn State to just 16 points. They allowed the least yards per rush in the entire CFB. That’s a recipe for success against Army.

It’s vice versa as well, making this a run-heavy matchup. Expect a ton of rushing against two good rushing defenses. That has all the makings of an Under, even at this already-low total.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Wisconsin at Illinois odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Wisconsin at Illinois odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Wisconsin Badgers (1-3, 0-2 Big Ten) travel to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-4, 1-2) Saturday. Kickoff from Memorial Stadium in Champaign is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at Wisconsin vs. Illinois odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Wisconsin is coming in having suffered a 21-point home loss to Michigan last weekend. All three of the Badgers’ losses have been to teams that are now ranked top-15 according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports, while Wisconsin fell out of the top-25 two weeks ago.

The Badgers are led by sophomore QB Graham Mertz, who has struggled at times, tossing 4 interceptions against Notre Dame and throwing for just 115 yards last weekend.

The Fighting Illini haven’t necessarily been good this season with losses to UTSA, Purdue, Virginia and Maryland. RB Chase Brown rushed for over 250 yards last weekend in their victory over Charlotte.

Wisconsin at Illinois odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Money line: Wisconsin -420 (bet $420 to win $100) | Illinois +320 (bet $100 to win $320)
Against the spread (ATS): Wisconsin -10.5 (-115) | Illinois +10.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Wisconsin at Illinois odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wisconsin 31, Illinois 17

Money line

PASS on the money line. While -420 for Wisconsin isn’t unreasonable, given it’s lost three of four this season I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking the risk.

Against the spread

BET on WISCONSIN -10.5 (-115) as it’s still the superior team despite recent struggles. The Badgers absolutely crushed Eastern Michigan in their lone gimme of the season.

Wisconsin played a solid game against now top-five ranked Penn State, and while its showings against Notre Dame and Michigan weren’t quite positive, it did enter the half down just 3 to the Wolverines.

While Mertz has struggled with turnovers, the Fighting Illini aren’t at the same level as the three elite defenses he’s faced and he should be able to move the ball. The Fighting Illini gave up over 750 yards through the air to Maryland and Virginia combined in Weeks 2 and 3.

Expect Mertz to finally show his talent, and the Badgers to win this one with ease. They were a top-25 team to start the season for a reason.

Over/Under

BET on the OVER 41.5 (-112) as the best value in this game. The Badgers have Mertz who can cook poor defense. RB Chez Mellusi also put over 100 rushing yards on Eastern Michigan. The Badgers should be able to finally get going offensively.

As for the Fighting Illini, they’ll be at home and should get some energy from the crowd. They’ve hit 20 or more points three times and have only been held to under 10 points just once.

Wisconsin should come to life while Illinois should be able to keep pace for a while.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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