2014 College Football Week 1 Wisconsin vs. LSU Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome
HOUSTON, TX (The Spread) – Week 1 has saved one of its better matchups until tonight as LSU will take on Wisconsin at 9:00PM ET in one of the better non-conference battles of the day.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, LSU is a 4.5-point favorite over Wisconsin, while the over/under total is currently sitting at 49.5 points. The Tigers opened as a 6.5-point favorite, but the line in this game has been bet down a full two points, while the total opened at 51 and has been bet down to 49.5.
The Badgers will have five returning starters on offense but just three on defense and a lot of the veteran talent that led Wisconsin to a 9-3 record a year ago will need to be replaced. Fortunately, this is year two under coach Gary Anderson, so there should be a level of continuity that wasn’t there in 2013. Wisconsin will once again boast one of the nation’s most talented running back duos thanks to Melvin Gordon and Corey Clement, while the offensive line returns four starters. The problem is that questions surround quarterback Joel Stave, who won’t have receiver Jared Abbrederis at his disposal this season. In fact, the receiving corps lacks playmaking ability as a whole this year.
Meanwhile, the Tigers will also lean on an offensive line that returns four starters, including stud left tackle La’el Collins, who will help pave the way for running backs Terrence Magee and Kenny Hilliard. After finishing 15th in the nation last season, the defense will feature seven returning starters and boasts the likes of linebackers D.J. Welter and Kwon Alexander. The question is at quarterback, where Anthony Jennings and freshman Brandon Harris could be used in a rotation early in the year.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL FREE PICK: Take Wisconsin. According to latest college football trends, the Badgers are 4-1 against the spread in their last five non-conference gaems and 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games overall. The Tigers, meanwhile, are 2-5 against the spread in their last seven non-conference games and 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.
2014 COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1 FREE PICK: WISCONSIN BADGERS +4.5