The Wisconsin Badgers and Washington State Cougars meet Saturday in week 2 college football action at Martin Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview

The Wisconsin Badgers look to build on their opening week victory over Buffalo with a big road win here. Wisconsin has a chance to start 2-0 for the first time since the 2020 COVID-19 season. Tanner Mordecai is completing 77.4 percent of his passes for 189 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Will Pauling and Tucker Ashcraft have combined for 91 receiving yards on 7 catches, while Chimere Dike has 1 reception. The Wisconsin Badgers ground game is averaging 314 yards per contest, and Chez Mellusi leads the way with 157 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Wisconsin is allowing 17 points and 316 yards per game. Hunter Wohler leads the Wisconsin Badgers with 11 tackles, Jordan Turner has 8 tackles and Kamo’i Latu has 1 pass deflection.

Wisconsin Badgers Team Facts

• Wisconsin has won 21 of its last 23 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Wisconsin has covered the spread in each of its last five road openers as a favorite.
• Wisconsin has won the first half in each of its last seven games against non-conference opponents.
• Each of Wisconsin’s last three September road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Washington State Cougars Betting Preview

The Washington State Cougars look for a win in their home debut after beating up on Colorado State last week. Washington State looks for its fifth 2-0 start in the last 7 years. Cameron Ward is completing 75.5 percent of his passes for 451 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Lincoln Victor and Josh Kelly have combined for 265 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Carlos Hernandez has 5 receptions. The Washington State Cougars ground game is averaging 90 yards per contest, and Ward leads the way with 40 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Washington State is allowing 24 points and 357 yards per game. Devin Richardson leads Washington State with 11 tackles, Andrew Edson has 0.5 sacks and Jackson Lataimua has 1 interception.

Washington State Cougars Team Facts

• The favorite has won each of Washington State’s last 12 games.
• The favorite has covered the spread in each of Washington State’s last six games.
• Washington State has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against opponents from the Big Ten Conference.
• Six of Washington State’s last seven games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Washington State was one of only 17 FBS teams with a better road winning percentage (.600) than home winning percentage (.571) last season (min. 8 games).
• Washington State ranked T21st among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (3.9).
• Wisconsin ranked 5th among FBS teams for Q2 points allowed per game last season (3.9).
• Wisconsin ranked 6th among FBS teams for H1 points allowed per game last season (7.7).

Randy’s Pick

The Wisconsin Badgers are getting the benefit of the doubt because of their reputation and their physical defense. Washington State is looked at as a middle of the road PAC-12 team that lacks depth and talent in key areas. Washington State can also be shaky defensively and had some hiccups last week. With all that said, Cameron Ward is a talented quarterback who is coming off a strong performance last week, and it could lead to a special season. Ward is capable of putting the Cougars on his back and pulling off an upset. He’s somebody I’m high on and will be watching closely this season. Give me the home dog, and I’ll sprinkle something on the ML as well.