The Wisconsin Badgers are currently ranked No. 25 entering their matchup with the Illinois Fighting Illini. Wisconsin is coming off of a 35-6 beatdown of the then-No. 19 Northwestern Wildcats, while Illinois is dealing with a 39-19 loss to Nebraska in its rearview mirror.
Remember when Illinois started 6-0 this season? It’s difficult to remember for Illinois fans, since they have lost four straight to fall to 6-4. The road doesn’t get any easier as the Fighting Illini host Wisconsin this weekend.
Ron Zook will be back on the hot seat quickly if the Fighting Illini can’t finish strong this year. Bret Bielema and the Badgers need to keep winning to have a chance to win the Big Ten Leaders Division.
Memorial Stadium
Saturday November 26, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from Bookmaker
Moneyline: Wisconsin (-600) Illinois (+450)
College Football Spread: Wisconsin -14 (-110) Illinois +14 (-110)
Over/Under: 51
Wisconsin suffered two straight heartbreaking losses to Michigan State and Ohio State in late October, but this Badgers team is one of the best in the nation. In fact, I believe they have a solid shot at finishing in the top eight in the country. One very concerning issue for the Badgers is injuries all across the offensive line. Wisconsin’s biggest strength is its offensive line, but they currently have three lineman listed on the injury report. Russell Wilson has been putting up Heisman Trophy type numbers this season. Wilson is completing 73 percent of his passes and he has 25 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Montee Ball has an amazing 27 touchdowns in just ten games, and he is also averaging 6.7 yards per carry. This may be the most balanced offense in the nation.
Some wondered how the Wisconsin defense would fare this year, but they have been very solid. The defense struggled in losses to Michigan State and Ohio State, but overall this year they have been great. The Badgers are giving up just 15.8 points per contest, and they are fifth in the nation in total defense. The secondary has been great all season, but the front seven has struggled at times against good running offenses.
Illinois has struggled largely because their offense has been extremely inconsistent over the last four games. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The Fighting Illini are averaging just ten points per game in their last four contests. Nathan Scheelhaase is a solid dual-threat quarterback, but this offense lacks the weapons necessary to score on the best defenses. A.J. Jenkins has 76 receptions and seven touchdowns, but no other receiver has more than 23 catches. Jason Ford and the running game haven’t been able to get going of late either. Illinois must find a rhythm offensively if they are going to have a chance in this game.
The Fighting Illini defense has been very good this year. Illinois ranks ninth in the nation in total defense. This is especially impressive when you consider that the Fighting Illini lost their two best defenders from last year’s squad. This is a defense that limits big plays and does a nice job clogging up the running lanes in the middle of the field. Opponents are scoring just 18.6 points per game.
Wisconsin has too much firepower for Illinois. The Fighting Illini are searching for an identity on offense right now, while Wisconsin is racking up huge numbers. Expect the Badgers to roll in this one.
Free College Football Pick: Wisconsin -14
Score Prediction: Wisconsin 35 Illinois 13
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