Wisconsin vs Penn St – Preview and Prediction
WISCONSIN 2.5 PENN ST (47.5)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Wisconsin -3 Sagarin ratings – Wisconsin -2.5
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Wisconsin 25 Penn St 22.5
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Wisconsin 24 Penn St 21
The Game
This is going to be a great prime-time match-up. Penn St is one of the HOTTEST entities in college football right now as they won the Big 10 East (beat Ohio St, yo) and have won EIGHT straight games overall. Nothing to sneeze at. Sure, they could be better at a couple of things, but they have no real weakness and are playing full of confidence right now.
How about those Badgers ? Tougher than a night in prison. They will smash you again and again until you submit. The Badgers won the Big 10 West and managed to beat LSU in their spare time. Wisconsin has won six straight games are also playing their best football of the season.
Strap it on, yo !
The Match-Up
Wisconsin offense vs Penn St defense
Wisconsin loves to pound the football and they will be bringing it on Saturday night. The running game is led by Corey Clement (1,140, 13) but is also stocked with back-up talent to keep the backs fresh. Penn St is ranked mid-pack in the Big 10 in rushing defense, and while they have had their moments, we are not sure if they can stand up to the onslaught for four quarters. Of course, the flip-side is that if Penn St can grab an early lead, the Badgers are not built to come from behind. Both QBs should be ready to go, but the Badgers’ passing attack is very average and not the kind of unit that would be able to pass on the Nittany Lions when they know what is coming. The key for Wisconsin – keep the lead – or keep it close – win the game late. They have been so impressive all season. No reason to expect anything different.
Penn St offense vs Wisconsin defense
MEGALOCKS FLASHBACK. We remember watching Trace McSorley come into the bowl game last season and thinking – “Who in the CRICKEY %$% is this guy ?”. And he played pretty well. This season has been no exception as McSorley has proven he can MATRICULATE down the field to an excellent group of targets and also scramble for tough yards when needed. We like him.
The real key to their offense is RB Saquon Barkley who is one of the most exciting players in the Big 10. Barkley has reeled off over 1,200 yards on the ground and 15 TDs whilst also catching 21 balls for 15.6 yards a pop. This is something that the Nittany Lions can really make work. Barkley out of the backfield catching the ball and doing his thing.
Of course when you play Wisconsin, you just hope on having all your organs in place after the game and that you are not missing any key digits. The Badgers are great against the run and the pass. And they are one of the best tackling teams in the FBS. Only one team all year scored more than 20 points on them (Ohio St – 30 including OT). Over/under on teeth scattered on the field after the game – 88.5.
MEGA-MAZING MINUTIA
The last time these two teams met in 2013, Penn St rolled into Wisconsin and won 31-24 as 24+ point underdogs….THEY ARE GONNA KILL EM GUY took at beating in that one and had to reload his betting accounts for the 987th time…..Kansas St not covering last week vs Kansas was reload #11,989…..Penn St is 7-0-1 ATS L8 conference games.
Summary
It does not feel like a lot of points are going to be scored. The under looks like a decent play. What we really like about the Badgers is that they will win the rushing battle. They will win the time of possession battle. They do not make many mistakes. Penn St QB McSorley is a fine player but Penn St has struggled against good defenses all season. For those who like bonuses in their back pocket – we have NO idea on the status of RB Saquon Barkley but to our eyes – he did not look 100% after getting injured.
Conclusion
Official play: Wisconsin -2.5 -115 (Would play to Wisconsin -3 -120)
Lean: Under any number 47 or better.