Wisconsin vs. Michigan Prediction
Are oddsmakers giving No. 4 Michigan too much credit when they host No. 8 Wisconsin today at 3:30PM ET on ABC?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Michigan is favored at home in this game, as the Wolverines are getting odds of -10.5 points against the Badgers. The over/under total for the game is listed at 44.5 points. Wisconsin has won and covered in three of the last four meetings with Michigan, though the two haven’t met since 2010.
Wisconsin had a big statement win last week, going to East Lansing and beating the defending Big Ten champs, Michigan State 30-6. The Badgers are now 4-0 on the season and 3-1 against the spread. They have covered in two games as an underdog this season. The Badgers are giving up just 11.8 points and 277 yards per game right now on defense. They are also holding opponents to just 80.5 rushing yards per game, which is Michigan’s strength on offense. The Badgers are putting up 30.8 points and 410.5 yards per game on offense. Alex Hornibrook got the start last week and he has managed things pretty well thus far behind a power running attack. Corey Clement is the leading rusher with 251 yards and five scores while Dare Ogunbowale has 182 yards.
The Wolverines opened up Big Ten play with a 49-10 win over Penn State last week to go 4-0 on the season. Like the Badgers, Michigan has a great defense that is giving up just 13.8 points and 269.8 yards per game. On offense, Michigan is posting 52 points and 467.8 yards per contest. Wilton Speight has thrown for 875 yards and nine touchdowns to lead this offense while De’Veon Smith and Chris Evans have combined for 472 rushing yards and five scores.
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Wisconsin has some big wins, but LSU and Michigan State may not be the teams we thought they were. Michigan could be the team it has shown so far, but this certainly looks like the toughest test yet. The difference between these two is dynamic players. I think the Wolverines have more dynamic players and players capable of breaking big plays, especially on special teams with Jabrill Peppers. In a game that could see some struggles on offense, playmakers are what will make the difference. I like Michigan to find a way to cover.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 5 PREDICTION: MICHIGAN -10.5