Wisconsin vs. Indiana Total Pick
Can No. 4 Wisconsin find enough offense against Indiana to hit the over when the two Big Ten teams meet up today at Noon ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Wisconsin is favored on the road, as the Badgers are getting odds of -13.5 points against Indiana. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 48.5 points. Wisconsin has won nine straight meetings with Indiana and the two have hit the over in five of their last six encounters. The public is currently putting 63 percent of the wagers on Wisconsin on the road. Today’s game will take place from Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana and will air live on ABC.
Indiana is on a three-game losing streak right now after a 42-39 loss at Maryland last weekend to fall to 3-5 on the season. The Hoosiers are 0-5 in the Big Ten and 4-4 with the over/under total. Indiana has been competitive on defense, allowing just 26.8 points and 342.1 yards per game. However, they struggle against the run, allowing 162 yards per game on the ground. Offensively, IU is putting up 27 points and 381.9 yards per contest. QB Patrick Ramsey has thrown for 1,252 yards and 10 touchdowns this season while also rushing for 226 yards. However, he is questionable to play today due to a knee injury. Leading rusher Morgan Ellison is doubtful to play because of an undisclosed injury. He has 473 yards and three touchdowns in 2017. Simmie Cobbs Jr. has caught 54 passes for 600 yards and five touchdowns. He will at least be available for IU.
Wisconsin is off to an 8-0 start to the season following a 24-10 win at Illinois last weekend. The Badgers are 5-0 in the Big Ten and 5-3 with the over. The Badgers have one of the better defenses in the nation, allowing just 12.9 points and 268 yards per game. Offensively, Wisconsin is putting up 35 points and 442.8 yards per game. Their ground game is their strength, as Jonathan Taylor has run for 1,185 yards and 11 touchdowns this year. However, he has a leg injury that has him questionable for Saturday’s game. Quarterback Alex Hornibrook may have to step up. He has thrown for 1,570 yards and 13 touchdowns with eight interceptions this season. His leading receiver, Quintez Cephus, is also questionable for the game with a head injury. Cephus has 28 receptions for 477 yards and five touchdowns.
Both teams could be without key pieces on offense, which isn’t likely to lead to much scoring against these two capable defenses. Wisconsin relies heavily on Taylor and I am not sure Hornibrook can single-handedly lead this offense to a big total. IU is going to have a hard time moving the ball against the Wisconsin defense when not at full strength, regardless of being at home.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTION: WISCONSIN/INDIANA UNDER 48.5