The Northwestern Wildcats and the Wisconsin Badgers meet Saturday in college football action from Camp Randall Stadium. Northwestern last appeared in a matchup versus Iowa over the weekend. The 4-5 Wildcats ended up losing a close game. As for Wisconsin, they’re coming off a game versus Indiana. In that one the Badgers fell to 5-4 on the season with a six-point defeat. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Northwestern Wildcats
The Wildcats have had an uneven season this year in a tricky conference and went 4-4 over their first eight outings. Northwestern struggled to move the ball in those games, averaging 21.8 points per game with 12 passing touchdowns and five picks. The run game was a major issue as the team averaged just 2.9 yards per attempt and 99.8 yards per game on the ground.
In last weekend’s game versus Iowa, the Wildcats didn’t see the scoreboard until the fourth quarter in a 10-7 defeat. Brendan Sullivan threw for just 81 yards and a TD, with Bryce Kirtz getting the bulk of the limited work on three catches for 33 yards. Anthony Tyus added 40 yards on 10 carries.
Northwestern Wildcats Team Facts
- Northwestern has lost each of its last 10 games in November.
- Northwestern has covered the spread in each of its last four games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Northwestern has lost the first half in 10 of its last 11 road games against conference opponents.
- Each of Northwestern’s last four road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Wisconsin Badgers
Over on the Wisconsin side, they managed to win five of their first eight games but suffered some pretty uneven offensive outcomes. The Badgers averaged 24.8 points per game in that time with just six passing touchdowns and four interceptions. The good news is that the running game carried the team, averaging 169.6 yards per game and posting 16 TDs.
Matched up against Indiana on Saturday, Wisconsin was down 17-7 by halftime and ended up falling 20-14. QB Brayden Locke bagged 243 yards with two scores, while both Cade Yacamelli and Jackson Acker rushed for 48 yards apiece. Bryson Greene added four catches for 96 yards and a TD to top the receivers.
Wisconsin Badgers Team Facts
- Wisconsin has lost three of its last four November games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Wisconsin has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games as a home favorite.
- Wisconsin has lost the first half in each of its last four games against conference opponents.
- Each of Wisconsin’s last four games at Camp Randall Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Wisconsin rank 24th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (19.1).
- Northwestern has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team this season (2).
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably stay with Wisconsin in this one. The Badgers are trending downward after a rough showing against a fairly mediocre Hoosiers team, though. Wisconsin posted 344 total yards (101 rushing) in that one with 18 first downs, eight penalties and two lost fumbles in the defeat back on Saturday. The Badgers have 14 or fewer points in three of the last four games, so the offense really needs a good showing here.
As for Northwestern, they didn’t get much offensive work against Iowa with just 170 yards (81 passing) and 12 first downs on Saturday. The Wildcats have scored 13 or fewer points in three of their last five games, so they’re not scoring well either. All things considered I like the Badgers a little better at home cover-wise, but I’m probably not touching it.