Wisconsin vs. LSU Odds
HOUSTON, TX (The Spread) – The featured game of this opening weekend of the college football season will have No. 14 Wisconsin taking on No. 13 LSU at 9PM ET on ESPN from NRG Stadium.
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LSU is coming off a 10-3 record last season with a 5-3 mark in the SEC. Wisconsin was 9-4 last season and 6-2 in the Big Ten under first-year coach Gary Andersen.
Trends show that Wisconsin is 4-1 against the spread in its last 5 non-conference games, but 1-4 ATS in its last five games on a neutral site. LSU is just 2-5 ATS in its last 7 non-conference games. The Badgers have hit the over in five of their last six on grass.
According to oddsmakers from BetDSI, LSU is the slight favorite in this game, as the Tigers have odds of -5 points against the Badgers. The over/under total for the game has been set at 50 points (View Matchup). The opening odds for this game had LSU as a 6-point favorite against Wisconsin. The spread hit a low of 4 points before moving up to 5. The over/under total opened at 50.5 points and wavered back and forth between that and 50 all week.
LSU is always expected to contend on the national scene, but the Tigers have questions offensively at the skill positions. The team will be working in a new quarterback and running back. In fact, the Tigers are using a two QB system with Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris. One strength is the line, where LSU has four starters back. Defensively, the Tigers have six starters back from a unit that allowed 22 points and 340.7 yards per game. Leading the group will be D.J. Welter at linebacker. He had 80 tackles in 2013.
Wisconsin had a strong showing in Gary Andersen’s first year as coach, but the Badgers can do better this year. The offense will be led by stud back Melvin Gordon, who had 1,609 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago. Despite having a returning starting QB, Andersen made a change under center, going with Tanner McEvoy. His mobility won him the job and should help this offense. Defensively, Wisconsin is all new on the front seven, which will make it tough to meet the 16.3 points and 305.1 yards allowed per game last season. Sojourn Shelton had four interceptions as a freshman cornerback. He is back to lead the defense this year.
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In terms of Injuries, LSU defensive tackle Trey Lealaimatafao is out with a bicep injury while defensive tackle Quentin Thomas (bicep) is questionable. Wisconsin safety Vonte Jackson is out for the season with a knee injury.
The Public Bets for this game are backing LSU, as the Tigers are getting 61% of the wagers with odds of -5 points against Wisconsin on Saturday night.
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