Free NCAA Football Prediction: Nittany Lions vs. Badgers Odds
Looking for Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Wisconsin Badgers free picks? College football betting sees the Nittany Lions taking on the Badgers on Saturday, August 28th at Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football game Week 1 predictions like this Penn State Wisconsin free pick.
College Football Handicapping Analysis: Week 1
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Wisconsin Badgers
Date: Saturday, August 28th, 2021
Time: 12:00 pm EST
Venue: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI
NCAA Football ATS Spread Odds: Nittany Lions +4.5, Badgers -4.5
NCAA Football Moneyline Odds: Penn State +190 | Badgers -230
NCAA Betting Total Odds: O/U 50
Big 10 play kicks off in a huge way on Saturday.
Both Penn State and Wisconsin have high aspirations of finishing atop the conference standings this season. With both figuring to have solid years, this early season matchup will dictate a lot for both sides.
This figures to be a game won in the trenches, as both sides love to run right at the opposition.
Given the close nature these two teams typically play when they go head to head, this one has the feeling of another similar style game.
Penn State
The Nittany Lions season was quite the interesting one last year. An 0-5 start had this team getting questions all around from the top town. However, they did manage to finish the season with 4 straight wins, which did give them some optimism and a lot of hope heading into play this year.
Offensively, they have to get more consistency. Last season, they ranked 8th in the Big Ten in completion percentage, sitting at just 60.3. The QBs totaled 15 turnovers and will have to limit the damage to have any success here in 2021.
Defensively, the task is high here. Wisconsin isn’t shy about what they do on the offensive side of the ball. While Penn State does have some gaps to rebuild, the linebacking core is going to be the key. They return and have a lot of experience at this position.
Jamming the middle and stopping the run is key to winning this one.
Penn State has fared well in the head to head aspect. They are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings with Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers are in a similar spot with their QB situation. They will look to Graham Mertz to get himself back on track. The run game is supposed to open up the pass game, but that doesn’t work if your starting QB is turning the ball over.
Mertz finished with just 2 touchdown passes to 5 interceptions after the first two games of the season. Wisconsin had a lot of covid issues last year, but they just weren’t able to get the pass game going when they did see the field.
The rushing attack is obviously their bread and butter. However, it wasn’t able to get going as much with the covid issues either as they ranked 8th in the conference last season.
This offense does return 8 starters and should have a lot of experience with this offensive line.
Defensively, they are led by led by linebackers Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal.
Wisconsin has failed to cover in 4 straight conference games.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- Home team is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings.
- Favorite is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 meetings.
- Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
- Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Wisconsin.
- Nittany Lions are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
Free Week 1 NCAA Football Pick
This has the feelings of a grind it out kind of game. With this being the opening contest for both and the style these two teams play with, the run games are going to be crucial.
Expect a slower beginning, but things will open up if either side can establish and early run game.
4* Free Week 1 NCAA Betting Pick: Penn State +4.5
With their ability to slow the run down, they can get Wisconsin into some uncomfortable third down situations.
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