College football betting – Wisconsin vs. Michigan odds
Posted on 9/22/2008 4:11:11 PM
By Blake Frazier
Wisconsin vs. Michigan odds – Wisconsin looking to avenge recent losses to Michigan
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WHO: No. 9 Wisconsin Badgers (-3) at Michigan Wolverines (+3)
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WHAT: NCAA football
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WHEN: Saturday, September 27 at 3:30 p.m. ET
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WHERE: Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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KEY STATS: Michigan has won seven of its last nine meetings with Wisconsin
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PICK: Wisconsin
Wisconsin has flown under the radar over the years, but the Badgers rolled up a 31-8 record between 2005 and 2007 and have positioned themselves to knock off Ohio State in the Big Ten. Wisconsin heads to “The Big House” on Saturday afternoon to take on Michigan and it’s no surprise Wisconsin vs. Michigan lines favor the Badgers.
The Wolverines are struggling to adapt to a new offensive system and way of thinking, brought in by new head coach Rich Rodriquez. That gives the advantage to Wisconsin, which has lost its last four at Michigan.
Last week the Badgers survived a tough 13-10 win at then-No.21 Fresno State, as their defense came up huge with a pair of forced turnovers. The Wisconsin aerial attack struggled, as Allan Evridge was only 12-of-24 for 143 yards, but he did throw for the Badgers’ lone touchdown.
P.J. Hill added 112 yards for Wisconsin, which allowed it to control the clock in the fourth quarter. The Badgers came in as two-point underdogs on the road against the surprising Bulldogs and they showed a lot of mental toughness to come away with the victory.
Michigan shot itself in the foot with six turnovers in a 35-17 loss at Notre Dame, allowing the Fighting Irish to score the first 21 points of the game. Steven Threet went 16-of-23 for 175 yards and a touchdown while the offense lost four fumbles (young pivot Nick Sheridan threw two picks in garbage time). This team isn’t good enough to commit that many mistakes and win and it’s almost surprising Wisconsin vs. Michigan betting odds don’t favor the Badgers by more.
The Wolverines were only a one-point underdog heading into Notre Dame to face their old rivals, but they still appear to be getting used to Rodriguez’s spread offense, and those involved with football betting may find it wise to avoid the Wolverines until they do so.
BLAKE’S PICK: Wisconsin vs. Michigan odds have the Badgers as 6.5-point favorites on the road, which is a huge deal when you consider the Wolverines have won seven of the last nine meetings between these two.
The Wolverines will play two very tough games at home in the next two weeks with Wisconsin and Illinois, and they’ll be eager to turn “The Big House” back into the fortress it once was. The Wolverines will be competitive because their defense has been impressive, but Wisconsin’s defense will have its way with the Michigan offense. Bet on the Wisconsin Badgers to improve to 4-0 with a victory over the Wolverines.
Check out the BetOnline.com Sportsbook for odds, props and futures, and visit the Bettor’s Edge regularly for info and insight, including for Tennessee vs. Auburn lines, Illinois vs. Penn State odds and Alabama vs. Georgia betting.
Blake walked onto his college football team and had a
brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to
the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game
that only someone who has played would understand, and he was one of the few
who gave the Giants a chance against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
