Michigan at Wisconsin – College Football Predictions
The Game
Almost there.
Wisconsin is now 10-0 and have a guaranteed spot in the Big 10 Championship game. Of course they have bigger plans in terms of making the playoff but first they have to dispose of Michigan on Saturday. The Wolverines have a record of 8-2 with losses coming to Sparty and Penn St. They have been a bit under the radar as of late and are trying to right the ship with new QB Brandon Peters.
The Details
Wisconsin -7.5 Michigan (39.5)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Wisconsin -10
Sagarin Ratings – Wisconsin -10
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Wisconsin 23.5 Michigan 16
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Wisconsin 24 Michigan 16
The Match-Up
Wisconsin offense vs Michigan defense
Jonathan Taylor and a cloud of dust. If he played for Penn St he would have already won the Heisman and the 2017 NFL MVP trophy, but sadly, he will have to settle for a mere 1,525 yards and leading his team to a 10-0 record. QB Alex Hornibrook is starting to concern us with a ridiculous number of INTs (12) although he is still averaging 9 yards per attempt. TE Troy Fumagalli is a devastating weapon and the Badgers remain #1 (!) in the FBS in 3rd down conversions despite having no real threats at WR. Michigan plays great defense (#3 FBS) and are #1 in 3rd down defense (23.7%). Nothing is going to come easy for the Badgers on Saturday but they have the best offensive weapon on either roster (RB – Taylor) and a more established QB.
Michigan offense vs Wisconsin defense
The Wolverines are breaking in a new QB, and while early returns have been promising, QB Brandon Peters has only had to face Rutgers, Minnesota and Maryland. Peters has yet to throw an INT but he has only had to attempt 45 passes. He is going to have to make some plays MATRICULATING in the passing game for the Wolverines to have a shot this weekend. Wisconsin is an amazing #1 in the FBS in total defense, run defense and pass efficiency defense. The Wolverines cannot be one dimensional with the running game and hope to win this one especially with RB K Higdon a bit banged up.
MEGA-MAZING MINUTIA
Michigan has not played in Wisconsin since the DEBACLE of 2009 (lost 45-24).
Summary
This certainly feels like a SNOT BUBBLER waiting to happen. It’s hard to imagine either team having success on offense. Michigan is going to be particularly challenged given their lack of weapons on offense.
Conclusion
Opinion: Best plays on the game ?
Strong Lean – Under 39
Strong Lean – Wisconsin -7 (if it pops up; right now it is -7.5)
Are we playing this game ? Yes, small potatoes. Potentially on each.