Wisconsin vs. Michigan Prediction
While the Michigan Wolverines look to shake off back-to-back losses as a favorite, Wisconsin will play its first game in two weeks when the Big Ten rivals meet at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. Will the Badgers roll as road chalk or are the Wolverines a good bet as a home dog?
Game Snapshot
161 Wisconsin Badgers (-6.5) at 162 Michigan Wolverines (+6.5); o/u 52.5
7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, November 14, 2020
Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
TV: ABC
Wisconsin Badges Game Notes
Wisconsin redshirt freshman QB Graham Mertz is still in COVID-19 protocol according to OC Joe Rudolph. It was announced on October 27 that Mertz (6’2/215) had tested positive for COVID-19, which began a mandatory 21-day quarantine period. On Monday it was reported that Wisconsin hoped to have the redshirt freshman practice at some point this week, with an eye towards him seeing action Saturday night at Michigan. But Mertz remains in COVID-19 protocol, and it is unknown if he’ll be able to play. If Mertz can’t play Danny Vanden Boom, who was on track to start against Nebraska (that game was ultimately canceled and declared a no-contest), will likely lead the Badger offense.
Michigan Wolverines Game Notes
Michigan redshirt sophomore QB Joe Milton completed 18-of-34 passes for 344 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-21 loss to Indiana on Saturday. Milton (6’5/245) eclipsed the 300-yard barrier for the second game in a row, but hurt himself by throwing two interceptions that Indiana capitalized on to secure the win. While the redshirt sophomore gunslinger has a major league arm, his accuracy and decision making was suspect at times. It’s also hard to lay too much blame at his feet considering the Wolverines gained a paltry 13 yards rushing on 18 carries. His best moment came on a 21-yard dart to Ronnie Bell who hauled in the pass for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to bring Michigan within 10 points. UM’s hopes for a comeback were dashed shortly thereafter, when Stevie Scott capped off a 29-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run following a back breaking interception from Milton. Michigan hopes to play Wisconsin next Saturday, but with the Badgers cancelling their previous two games due to pandemic related issues, the game is very much in doubt.
Michigan vs. Minnesota Betting Prediction
The favorite is 5-1 against the spread in the last six meetings between these two teams while the Badgers are 10-2-1 against the number in their last 13 games versus the Wolverines and have covered in four of their last five conference games dating back to last season. Wisconsin is also 13-4 against the number in its last 17 games as a road favorite, is 16-7 ATS in its last 23 road games and is 11-5-1 at the betting window in its last 17 games played in the month of November. Michigan, meanwhile, has dropped four of its last five games overall, is 2-5 against the number in its last seven games as an underdog and is 8-20 ATS in its last 28 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in its previous game.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 11 PREDICTION: WISCONSIN BADGERS -6.5
