The Wisconsin Badgers will take on the Western Michigan Broncos in Madison as Week 1 college football action continues.
Wisconsin is hoping for a big jump in head coach Luke Fickell’s second season after going 7-6 in year one. It all starts with Western Michigan on Friday night, who struggled to go 4-8 last year.
Western Michigan vs Wisconsin prediction
My best bet
Western Michigan first half +13.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
My analysis
The Western Michigan Broncos may have struggled last season, but they're returning an astounding 10 of 11 starters on offense and nine of their top 12 tacklers on defense from last season.
They also added wide receiver Bugs Mortimer from UL-Monroe, who should make an immediate impact. On defense, two new starters are transfers in defensive end Popeye Williams from Louisville and safety Ryan Raybuck from St. Anselm College.
They're going to need that experience if they expect to have any chance of pulling an upset at Camp Randall. The Wisconsin Badgers brought in Tyler Van Dyke from Miami to take over an offense that's returning several starters. The offensive line should be a strength as well.
The defense, which was the biggest strength for the Badgers last season, lost six of their top 11 tacklers. However, they did add the leading tackler from Arkansas last year in Jaheim Thomas and FCS All-American John Pius from William & Mary. If the defense can meet expectations from last year, the offense should improve enough to make this a legit team in the Big Ten.
Fickell had great success as head coach of Cincinnati with Desmond Ridder at quarterback, going 44-7 in his four years. Not saying Van Dyke should be compared to Ridder, but he certainly has the talent that has drawn the eyes of pro prospects for years. Unfortunately, his inconsistency over the last two years has drawn some concerns with his overall ability.
Wisconsin is the more talented team here and shouldn't have too many issues putting away one of the mid-level MAC teams in front of their home fans. However, a lot of new players going against an extremely experienced team could mean a slow start. That's why I like the Broncos to cover the first-half spread.
Western Michigan vs Wisconsin same-game parlay (SGP)
Western Michigan +28.5
Jalen Buckley anytime touchdown
Will Pauling anytime touchdown
We'll start by moving to Western Michigan's full-game spread. Wisconsin did not win a single game by more than 21 points last year and I expect them to start slow here. Winning by more than 28 points seems extremely unlikely given these circumstances.
Running back Jalen Buckley scored a touchdown in all but three games last season and he's most likely to find the endzone for Western Michigan. For Wisconsin, I like wide receiver Will Pauling to find paydirt. He had six touchdowns last season and with Van Dyke at quarterback, I like his chances of adding to that number.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Western Michigan vs Wisconsin odds
Western Michigan vs Wisconsin live odds
Western Michigan vs Wisconsin opening odds
- Spread: Western Michigan +23.5 | Wisconsin -23.5
- Moneyline: Western Michigan +1,600 | Wisconsin -5,000
- Over/Under: Over 56.5 | Under 56.5
Western Michigan vs Wisconsin spread and Over/Under analysis
- Wisconsin is 0-4-1 ATS in its last five games when favored by 10+ points.
- Western Michigan has covered in three straight games as double-digit underdogs.
- The Over was 7-5 in Western Michigan games last season.
- The Under was 8-5 in Wisconsin games last season.
Western Michigan vs Wisconsin betting trend to know
Western Michigan has covered the first-half spread in five of its last six away games. Find more college football betting trends for Western Michigan vs Wisconsin.
Western Michigan vs Wisconsin game info
| Location: | Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI |
| Date: | Friday, 8-30, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | BIG10 |
Western Michigan vs Wisconsin latest injuries
Western Michigan vs Wisconsin weather
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