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)
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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.
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