The Wisconsin Badgers are searching for their first win in Week 2, as they take on the Western Illinois Leathernecks following their 41-13 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish last week.
Wisconsin was outscored 28-3 in the second half of that game, as they struggled defensively as things got out of hand. There were some positives from the game, as the Badgers saw the emergence of wide receiver Malachi Coleman, among other things.
Now, Wisconsin faces a Western Illinois team that got blown out 41-10
by Illinois State last week, giving up nearly 500 yards of offense. They also struggled to run the ball, which was their calling card in Week 0, and now will face a tough matchup with the Badgers.
Wisconsin is a hefty favorite in Week 2 at home, with the odds continuing to shift in their favor ahead of kickoff.
Every week, we’ll be giving out our predictions on the game. Here’s our thoughts on Week 2.
Game Info
Date: Saturday, September 12th
Time: 6:15 p.m. CT
Channel: Big Ten Network
Stadium: Camp Randall Stadium
Line: Wisconsin -42.5 (FanDuel)
Over/Under: 51.5 points (FanDuel)
Game Predictions
I gave a ton of thoughts on Wisconsin’s Week 1 outing, pointing out the good and the bad on both sides of the ball. Here in Week 2, I do think we’re going to see the run game really break out, and that’ll continue the game for the Badgers.
Wisconsin could also try to get some consistency in the pass game, but this feels like a spot where both sides of the ball should dominate. The Badgers showed some really good things against the run in the first half versus Notre Dame, but struggled against a strong offense in the second half.
They should have the advantage in the trenches, and it’ll be a good place for their pass rush to start to develop. The real question is: how big will their win be? I think Wisconsin should find a way to bring their QB2 in the game, giving either Deuce Adams or Ryan Hopkins some game reps ahead of the conference slate.
Still, I remain optimistic that this game won’t be close, and I feel like this should be a good bounce-back spot for a defense that looked great in the first half last week. Looking at a prediction, I would’ve taken the Badgers at their 36.5-point spread to open the week. I’m clearly projecting a win and probably would still take the 42.5-point spread if asked, but I’m more confident in the first-half spread of 24.5 points.
Western Illinois trailed 27-3 to Illinois State last weekend, and the only drive that the Redbirds didn’t score on in the first half last week was due to an interception. Wisconsin is going to be too good and physical on the ground, and the Badgers
The first-half spread currently sits at Wisconsin -24.5. I don’t know if Western Illinois is going to score, and I think Luke Fickell will be more aggressive with go situations if it comes down to it.
Pick: Wisconsin 1H -24.5
