Cornhuskers vs Badgers NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping
With Penn State and Ohio State both ineligible for postseason play this season, the Big Ten has officially skipped Plan A and Plan B and gone straight to the Wisconsin Badgers when it comes to the Leaders Division. The Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Badgers will face off on Saturday for a chance at the Rose Bowl, where they’ll meet the winner of the Pac-12 championship game between the UCLA Bruins and the Stanford Cardinal.
No. 12 Nebraska Cornhuskers (10-2) vs Wisconsin Badgers (7-5)
Saturday December 1, 2012
Lucas Oil Stadium, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
8:17 PM ET
Moneyline: Nebraska -150, Wisconsin +130 from Bovada
Spread: Nebraska -3
O/U: 49
ATS Matchup Stats | Gambling Insight!
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Nebraska Cornhuskers
Unlike the Wisconsin Badgers, the Nebraska Cornhuskers earned their place in this game outright. They posted a 10-2 record on the year, and they won the Legends Division by a single game over the Michigan Wolverines. One of their wins this season came against the same Wisconsin team they’ll face on Saturday, and that matchup was one of the more exciting games of the year. The Cornhuskers overcame a 17-point deficit to win a close matchup late 30-27.
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On the year, Nebraska has relied on their running game. They’ve averaged 252.2 yards per game on the ground (8th in the nation), and while their passing game has been relatively non-existent, they’ve still averaged 25.4 points per game (29th in the nation). Their running game is going to be as good as ever against Wisconsin, as senior tailback Rex Burkhead is healthy and ready to play, giving them yet another option carrying the ball.
As good as Nebraska has been on the offensive side of the running game this year, they must be equally as good on defense against Wisconsin’s rushing attack. The Badgers have been led by Monte Ball, who has 1,528 yards and 18 touchdowns on 311 carries.
Wisconsin Badgers
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As good as Monte Ball has been in 2012, the player to watch on the Wisconsin Badgers is quarterback Curt Phillips. The quarterback position has been a bit unstable, but Phillips has stepped up and established himself as somewhat of a leader as we conclude the year. Protecting Phillips is going to be vital for Wisconsin’s success, as Nebraska has been very good at pressuring quarterbacks en route to become the nation’s best pass defense.
Defensively, the Badgers need to stop the Cornhuskers’ rushing attack. Wisconsin allows just 111.4 yards per game on the ground, which is good enough for 14th in the nation. Their passing defense can essentially take a break on Saturday, as Nebraska hasn’t been a threat through the air seemingly all year. With three legitimate options on offense, the Cornhuskers will look to challenge Wisconsin’s defensive line.
There’s no denying the fact that Wisconsin would be absent from this contest if Penn State and Ohio State were bowl eligible, but Nebraska can’t have that mindset heading into this contest. Wisconsin has the potential to challenge the 10-2 Cornhuskers, as evident by their matchup earlier this year. However, if Nebraska comes into this game and takes their opponent seriously, they should take care of business, even if it’s in a close contest.
Trends
Cornhuskers are 3-0-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
•Over is 4-0 in Badgers last 4 games following a ATS loss.
•Over is 7-1 in Badgers last 8 games following a S.U. loss.
•Over is 4-1 in Badgers last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
O/U Pick: Over 49
Score Prediction: Nebraska 30 – Wisconsin 21
