WKU vs. Wisconsin Total Pick
Can No. 4 Wisconsin shutdown Western Kentucky when the Badgers open the 2018 season at home on Friday at 9PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
145 Western Kentucky at 146 Wisconsin
Friday, August 31, 2018
9PM ET – Camp Randall Stadium
TV: ESPN
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Wisconsin is the heavy favorite in this game, as the Badgers are getting odds of -34 points against Western Kentucky. The over/under total for the game is listed at 52.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 69 percent going on Wisconsin at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Western Kentucky limps to finish in 2017
Western Kentucky lost five of its last six games, including a 27-17 loss at Georgia State in the bow game, to finish its season 6-7. The Hilltoppers were just 3-10 against the spread and 7-6 with the under.
WKU managed just 331 points during the season while allowing 349 on defense. WKU did have a great QB in Mike White, who threw for 4,177 yards and 26 touchdowns. However, he has moved on and the Hilltoppers need to find a new field general. WKU also loses its top two receivers from 2017, which isn’t good considering they rushed for just 791 yards as a team for the year.
Badgers preseason favorite in Big Ten West
Wisconsin is getting a lot of hype as a playoff contender for 2017 after coming off a dominant run in the Big Ten West last year. The Badgers were 13-1 overall and 9-0 in division play. They suffered a loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten title game, 27-21, but bounced back with a 34-24 win over Miami in the bowl game. The Badgers finished the year 9-5 against the spread and 8-6 with the over.
Wisconsin had one of the best defenses in the nation a year ago, allowing only 195 points. Offensively, they were much more explosive than they have been previously, putting up 473 points. Wisconsin has a Heisman contender in running back Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 1,977 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2017. Quarterback Alex Hornibrook is also back. He threw for 2,644 yards, 25 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 2017. Quintez Cephus was suspended indefinitely by the team and he led the Badgers in touchdown catches last year, but Wisconsin had good balance throughout its receiving corp.
College Football Betting Trends
Western Kentucky
The Hilltoppers have hit the over in six straight Friday games, but hit the under in four of their last five non-conference games.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has hit the under in six of its last eight games in August.
Prediction:
I don’t see Western Kentucky scoring much in this game, so the question is will Wisconsin put up a big enough number on its own. That I can definitely see. The Badgers were potent on offense last year and should be better this year with their top skill-position players back. Wisconsin should be able to succeed on the ground and through the air. I think they can hit the total on their own Friday night.
College Football Prediction: Western Kentucky/Wisconsin Over 52.5