Wisconsin vs. Northwestern Total Pick
When two physical, Big Ten teams collide this afternoon at Noon ET, can we expect a low total? Here’s our breakdown of No. 20 Wisconsin at Northwestern.
Game Snapshot & Odds
139 Wisconsin at 140 Northwestern
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Noon ET – Ryan Field
TV: FOX
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Wisconsin is favored on the road, as the Badgers are getting odds of -5 points against Northwestern. The over/under total is currently listed at 53 points. The public betting for this game currently has 57 percent going on Wisconsin on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Northwestern on a win streak
While not winning by large margins, Northwestern has won three straight games following a win at Rutgers last weekend. The Wildcats are now 4-3 on the season, 4-1 in the Big Ten, 3-3-1 against the spread and 4-3 with the over.
Northwestern is allowing 24.6 points and 373 yards per game on defense this season. Offensively, the Cats aren’t a dominant group, putting up 24.3 points and 374.4 yards per game. Their rushing offense is a mess, posting just 78.1 yards per game. With Jeremy Larkin out, the Cats have no real rushing presence. Clayton Thorson is doing what he can, throwing for 1,905 yards and nine touchdowns, but he also has seven interceptions. Flynn Nagel is having a strong run, catching 56 passes for 693 yards and two scores.
Wisconsin still in the Big Ten Race
The Wisconsin football team bounced back from its loss at Michigan two weeks ago when the Badgers defeated Illinois, 49-20 at home. Wisconsin is now 5-2 on the season, 3-1 in the Big Ten, 2-5 against the spread and 5-2 with the over. Wisconsin has hit the over in four straight games.
The Badgers are still very tough on defense this season, allowing just 20.0 points and 356.1 yards per game. Their pass defense is holding opponents to 187.4 yards per contest. On offense, Wisconsin is putting up 33.0 points and 461.3 yards per contest. The Badgers are rushing for 282 yards per game thus far. Jonathan Taylor is leading the way with 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. Alex Hornibrook has thrown for 1,251 yards and 11 touchdowns with six interceptions.
College Football Betting Trends
Northwestern
Northwestern has hit the under in 39 of its last 52 home games and in five of its last seven at home against a team with a winning road record.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has hit the over in four straight conference games and in four of its last five road games.
Prediction:
The total has a little cushion here, which makes me feel stronger about the under. Though trends may be siding with the over, I see Northwestern struggling to move the ball against Wisconsin. The Cats had just 18 points against Rutgers last week and put up just 17 against Michigan. Wisconsin has a defense comparable to Michigan in some aspects and should limit Thorson and the Cats. I don’t expect the Badgers to run wild either, as Northwestern is respectable on defense, especially at home.
College Football Prediction: Wisconsin/Northwestern Under 53
Related: Wisconsin vs. Northwestern Spread Prediction