Week 1: Wisconsin vs Illinois State 9/3/22 College Football Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Wisconsin Badgers and Illinois State Redbirds square off in week 1 of college football action at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday. The Illinois State Redbirds are coming off a 4-win season and enter year 14 under coach Brock Spack. The Wisconsin Badgers won 9 games last year and enter year 8 under coach Paul Chryst.

The Illinois State Redbirds averaged 18.4 points and 252.4 yards per game last season. Illinois State allowed an average of 22.4 points and 351.3 yards per game last season. Jackson Waring returns at quarterback after throwing for 800 yards, 6 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Bryson Deming and Jabari Khepera are a returning receiving duo that combined for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Cole Mueller led the Redbirds with almost 1,000 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. Defensively, Zeke Vandenburgh returns after 73 tackles, Jeremiah Jordan had 3.5 sacks and Kenton Wilhoit had 2 interceptions. The Illinois State Redbirds should be improved offensively with a more experienced quarterback and a top tier running back leading the way. Illinois State also has playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. After a disappointing season, it’s fair to expect a better effort from Illinois State this time around.

The Wisconsin Badgers averaged 25.4 points and 371.1 yards per game last season. Wisconsin allowed an average of 16.2 points and 235.3 yards per game last season. Graham Mertz returns at quarterback after throwing for 2,000 yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Chimere Dike and Clay Cundiff are a returning receiving duo that combined for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Braelon Allen led the Badgers with 1,300 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Defensively, Nick Herbig returns after 64 tackles, Keeanu Benton had 2.5 sacks and John Torchio led Wisconsin with 3 interceptions. The Wisconsin Badgers say goodbye to the majority of their receivers from a year ago and a lot of key players on defense. Wisconsin still has its quarterback and a quality running back, but there’s a lot of production that needs to be replaced for the Badgers to remain Big Ten contenders.

The Illinois State Redbirds aren’t the pushover this line suggests, as they have playmakers on both sides of the ball and should have a successful season. With that said, the Wisconsin Badgers are not only the more talented team, but they have a clear edge in the trenches with their size. We’ve seen Big Ten teams bury lesser opponents, and it starts at the line of scrimmage, where guys just move bodies. We’ve also seen Wisconsin put the pedal to the metal at times. Give me the Badgers in a home blowout.