UNLV Rebels vs Wisconsin Badgers Gambling Preview + Predictions
The Wisconsin Badgers had a terrific season last year, and they’ll look to build off that as we head into the 2011-2012 season. UNLV went 2-11 last year, so they’ll be looking for a path to steady improvement.
The Badgers beat UNLV 41-21 in Vegas last year.
Now it is the Rebels turn to travel to the always rowdy Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.
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UNLV Rebels vs. Wisconsin Badgers
Camp Randall Stadium
Thursday September 1, 8:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Wisconsin -35 (-110) UNLV +35 (-110)
Over/Under: 56
UNLV vs. Wisconsin ATS Gambling Stats –>
UNLV
On the offensive side the Rebels must replace both their starting quarterback and running back from last year’s team. Caleb Herring will be the starter under center for the Rebels this season. Herring threw four touchdowns and three interceptions in limited time at quarterback last year.
Tim Cornett ran for 546 yards and 6 touchdowns in his freshman campaign for UNLV. The team will need a lot from him in 2011. Phillip Payne and Michael Johnson give the team a pair of high quality receivers.
The biggest problem for this offense is the glaring weakness they have along the offensive line. Expect this line to struggle in both pass protection and run blocking schemes.
As bad as UNLV is offensively, they are just as bad if not even worse defensively. The Rebels allowed a ridiculous 39.7 points per game in 2010. What’s the worst news of all for this unit? The team lost its top four defensive players from last year. They don’t return a single starter at the linebacker spot. Both Quinton Porter and Will Chandler are solid at the cornerback positions, but the Rebels will have two inexperienced safeties. Overall, I wouldn’t expect this defense to fare any better than they did last year.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin offense had one big question mark during the offseason, but that was answered when Russell Wilson transferred to the school. Wilson gives the Badgers a terrific signal caller who can keep plays alive with his feet and throw the deep ball to stretch the defense. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Wisconsin won’t need Wilson to be spectacular, because the running game is absolutely dominant. James White and Montee Ball both averaged more than six yards per carry last season. The offensive line should be one of the best in the nation once again. Nick Toon provides the Badgers with a high quality receiver on the outside.
Expect the Badgers offense to move the ball at will against just about everyone they play this year.
Wisconsin has a few more questions to answer on the defensive side of the ball. J.J. Watt will be badly missed on the defensive front. The Badgers have struggled to pressure the quarterback in recent years, and that could be an issue again this season.
Chris Borland missed most of last year with an injury, but he should be back to lead the defense in 2011.
This isn’t a great defense, but they should benefit from an offense that will control the football and keep them well rested.
This could be a case of the Badgers best defense is their offense.
Let’s just be honest, the Badgers are going to win this game. UNLV can’t matchup with Wisconsin in any aspect of this game. With that being said, 35 points is a ton to lay in an opening game.
I think the Badgers will be a little rusty.
NCAA Gambling Trends:
Over is 7-2-1 in UNLV last 10 games overall.
Over is 6-2 in UNLV last 8 games on fieldturf.
UNLV are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Under is 7-1 in WISC last 8 vs. MWC.
Over is 7-2-1 in WISC last 10 games overall.
Free College Football Pick: UNLV +35
Score Prediction: Wisconsin 41 UNLV 10
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