BYU vs. Wisconsin Prediction
Can No. 6 Wisconsin manhandle BYU when the two teams meet up this Saturday at 3:30PM ET in college football’s Week 3?
Game Snapshot & Odds
Saturday, September 15, 2018
3:30PM ET – Camp Randall Stadium
TV: ABC
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Wisconsin is favored at home in this game, as the Badgers are getting odds of -21 points against BYU. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 44.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 60 percent backing 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.
BYU falls to Cal
BYU has opened its season against a pair of Pac-12 teams. The Cougars started with a nice 28-23 win at Arizona in the opener, but then suffered a 21-18 loss at home to Cal. The Cougars are 2-0 with the under while splitting the spread through two games. They are 5-2 against the spread over their last seven.
The Cougars are playing typical BYU grinder football, averaging just 339 yards per game on offense while allowing 356 per game on defense. The games are physical and somewhat ugly. Tanner Mangum has thrown for 405 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 58 percent of his passes. Running back Squally Canada is the leading rusher with 147 yards and three touchdowns.
Wisconsin cruising, not covering
Wisconsin has picked up a pair of 31-point wins over Western Kentucky and New Mexico this season, but haven’t covered lofty spread in either game. They have split the total in the two wins, but are now just 1-3 against the spread in their last four as a program.
The Badgers are pretty dominant on both sides of the ball right now. The defense is allowing just 8.5 points and 258 yards per game. They have limited opponents to just 157.5 passing yards per contest. Offensively, Wisconsin is scoring 39.5 points and putting up 529.5 yards per contest. Jonathan Taylor is off to a good start in his Heisman pursuit as he has 398 rushing yards and five touchdowns through two games. Quarterback Alex Hornibrook has thrown for 405 yards and three scores while A.J. Taylor has 10 catches for 219 yards and a score.
College Football Betting Trends
BYU
BYU has covered the spread in four straight road games, but is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven against winning teams.
Wisconsin
The Badgers are 5-1 against the spread in their last six following a failed cover and 5-1 ATS in their last six games after allowing less than 100 rushing yards in their previous game.
Prediction:
Wisconsin is essentially a better version of BYU. Their defense is stronger, their offense is more productive. BYU’s defense may put up a fight early, but Taylor and the Badgers’ O-line should eventually wear them down and that will lead to some big plays in the second half. Wisconsin’s defense will be able to contain Mangum and the BYU offense with its speed and physicality. With the spread down this week for Wisconsin, I expect the Badgers to finally cover.
College Football Prediction: Wisconsin -21