Illinois vs. Wisconsin Prediction
Can No. 23 Wisconsin cover a lofty spread at home a week after an embarrassing loss, as the Badgers play host to Illinois today at Noon ET.
Game Snapshot & Odds
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Noon ET – Camp Randall Stadium
TV: FS1
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Wisconsin is the clear favorite at home, as the Badgers are getting odds of -24 points against Illinois. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 56.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 60 percent going on Illinois 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.
Wisconsin dominated by Michigan
The Badgers are coming off a 38-13 loss at Michigan to drop to 4-2 on the season. Wisconsin is 2-1 in the Big Ten, 1-5 against the spread and 4-2 with the over. The Badgers have failed to cover in all of their home games this year.
Wisconsin has been strong on defense, allowing 20.0 points and 365.5 yards per contest. The Badgers are allowing just 203.7 yards per game through the air. On offense, Wisconsin is putting up 30.3 points and 447.3 yards per game. On the ground, the Badgers put up 269.7 yards per contest. Jonathan Taylor is leading the offense with 950 rushing yards and eight touchdowns while Alex Hornibrook has thrown for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns.
Illini drops three of four
Illinois is coming off a 46-7 loss at home to Purdue last week for their third loss in four games. The Illini are 3-3 on the season, 1-2 in the Big Ten, 3-3 against the spread and 4-2 with the under. Illinois did cover in its lone road game.
The Illini have really struggled on defense this year, as they are giving up 31.5 points and 504.7 yards per game. Offensively, Illinois is averaging 25.5 points and 384.2 yards per game. Reggie Corbin is the leading rusher with 484 yards and five touchdowns while Mike Epstein has added 397 yards. The QB position has seen both AJ Bush Jr. and MJ Rivers II see time. They have combined for 904 yards and four touchdowns passing.
College Football Betting Trends
Wisconsin
The Badgers have failed to cover the spread in five straight home games, but are 5-1 ATS in their last six following a loss.
Illinois
Illinois is 16-33 ATS in its last 49 games following a double-digit loss at home and they are 5-23 ATS in their last 28 games after allowing more than 40 points in a game.
Prediction:
Wisconsin hasn’t been terribly impressive this year despite some wins. However, the Illini have been far worse. They have been manhandled by Penn State and Purdue because of their poor defense and lack of offense. Wisconsin should easily shut down this Illinois offense and I think the Badgers will have a spark on offense after being shut down last week by Michigan. Wisconsin should be eager to take out some frustrations on a poor team today.
College Football Prediction: Wisconsin -24
Related: Illinois vs. Wisconsin Total Prediction