Big Ten Championship Pick
Will the Big Ten Championship be a defensive struggle as No. 7 Penn State takes on No. 6 Wisconsin at 8PM ET on Saturday?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Wisconsin is favored at home, as the Badgers are getting odds of -2.5 points against Penn State. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 47.5 points. These two meet up from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. Penn State has won and covered the spread in four of the last five against Wisconsin.
Penn State is 10-2 on the season and winners of the East Division of the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions are 8-3-1 against the spread this season, covering in seven straight while winning eight straight overall. The Nittany Lions are giving up just 22.8 points and 346.8 yards per game. They have struggled somewhat against the run, giving up 146.3 yards per game. Offensively, Penn State started slow, but it is moving the ball well now. PSU is averaging 36.6 points and 429.7 yards per contest. Saquon Barkley has run for 1,219 yards and 15 touchdowns to lead the offense while Trace McSorley has run for 372 yards and six scores. He has also thrown for 2,976 yards and 21 touchdowns. Chris Godwin has been the top target with 47 catches for 762 yards and nine touchdowns.
Wisconsin is the Big Ten West winner. The Badgers are 10-2 on the season and 9-2-1 against the spread. Wisconsin has won six straight games, going 4-1-1 ATS in those six games. Their two losses this season were both by just 7 points. Wisconsin is also led by its defense, which is giving up just 13.7 points and 292 yards per game. They are strong against the pass, allowing only 191.3 yards per contest. Offensively, Wisconsin is putting up 28.5 points and 381.1 yards per game. The Badgers rely heavily on their run game, which puts up 201.5 yards per game. Corey Clement has run for 1,140 yards and 13 touchdowns to lead the pack while Dar Ogunbowale has run for 458 yards and three scores. Alex Hornibrook and Bart Houston have combined for the QB duties, throwing for 2,155 yards and 13 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. Hornibrook is questionable for the game with a head injury he suffered last week.
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While Penn State has been putting on an offensive display for most of the Big Ten season, the Nittany Lions struggled against the likes of Michigan and Ohio State. Wisconsin’s defense is right on par with that unit. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin offense isn’t anything special and is likely to have some struggles as well. Look for this game to remain low scoring.
BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP PICK: WISCONSIN/PENN STATE UNDER 47.5