The Wisconsin Badgers are back in action on Saturday, taking on the No. 23 Washington Huskies at Camp Randall Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network.
Wisconsin has endured a rough season,
going 2-6 with six consecutive losses of at least 14 points. As it has been over the last few seasons, quarterback issues have been at the forefront of the Badgers’ issues, with starter Billy Edwards remaining out with a knee injury.
Wisconsin went with sophomore transfer Danny O’Neil following Edwards’s injury in the season-opener, but benched him after three games following ugly outings against the Alabama Crimson Tide and Maryland Terrapins.
They pivoted to Southern Illinois transfer Hunter Simmons, who had a quality finish against Maryland. But, Simmons has gotten progressively worse in his four starts, throwing for 222 yards and four touchdowns in his last three starts combined.
Now, Wisconsin is expected to make another quarterback change, with both O’Neil and true freshman Carter Smith expected to play against Washington on Saturday.
They’ll face a Huskies team that has gone 6-2, most recently beating the Illinois Fighting Illini 42-25 two weeks ago. Both teams are coming off a bye week and looking to finish the year strong.
Currently, the Badgers are 10.5-point underdogs, with the over/under at 44.5 points. Let’s get into some predictions for the game.
Predictions
1. Jonah Coleman O 73.5 rushing yards
Washington’s passing game has been highlighted this season behind sophomore budding star Demond Williams Jr. But, its run game is the bread and butter of the offense, and Jonah Coleman should get high volume on Saturday.
Yes, Wisconsin has a quality run defense, but they’ve struggled against good run teams. Washington is middle-of-the-pack, but the weather could lead them to more action on the ground, so I see Coleman reaching his rushing total of 73.5 yards.
2. Jonah Coleman anytime TD
This prop stands at -250, but Coleman has been a touchdown machine all season long with 13 rushing touchdowns in eight games. The only game Coleman didn’t score in this season was against Ohio State. Apart from that, he’s had a score in every game, including four with 2+ touchdowns.
That should continue against the Badgers on Saturday.
3. Washington -10.5
Yes, the weather could make this a close one. But, the Badgers have lost six straight games by at least two touchdowns.
Against a high-octane offense, I’m not sure that changes on Saturday. It’ll come down to how consistent the quarterback play can be, but I’ve long felt Washington was one of the more underrated teams in the country this season.
They’re now a top-25 team, and they’re playing like it. Give me Washington on the points.
