The Michigan Wolverines will host the Wisconsin Badgers for a top-15 battle on Saturday night at the Big House. Michigan comes into this game as the 12th ranked team in the nation, while the Wisconsin Badgers come in ranked 15th. Wisconsin earned a 24-10 victory over Michigan last season en route to a Big Ten West Title.
Michigan lost a close game to the University of Notre Dame in the season opener, but have not looked back since. The Wolverines are 5-1 on the season and are tied with Ohio State for the lead in the Big Ten East division. Wisconsin was stunned in a week three loss to BYU at home, but that is their only blemish on the record this season. The Badgers lead the Big Ten West division at this point in the season. Michigan is a ten point favorite over the Badgers in this game.
Michigan Defense Leading The Way
A big reason for Michigan’s great start this season has been the terrific play of their defense. The Wolverines have given up an average of 15.8 points per game this season, which is the 11th best mark in college football. Michigan has one of the best defensive lines in the nation, and they are great at stopping the run. The Wolverines have given up an average of just 2.6 yards per carry this season. Michigan will be tested by Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor in this game.
The Michigan offense is led by transfer quarterback, Shea Patterson. Patterson has thrown for over 1,100 yards and ten touchdowns so far this season. Running back Karan Higdon has ran for 582 yards and five touchdowns this season, but the Wolverines have a ton of depth at that position. The Michigan offense will need to put up some points to get past Wisconsin in this game.
Taylor Leading Badgers Offense
Sophomore running back Jonathan Taylor has put up big numbers this season and is a Heisman Trophy contender this season. Taylor has rushed for 849 yards and eight touchdowns this season while averaging almost seven yards per carry. The Wisconsin offense will look to wear down the Michigan defense in this contest.
The Wisconsin defense looked dominant to begin the 2018 season, but they’ve started giving up more points in Big Ten play. The Badgers average have given up 16.4 points per game this season, but they’ve given up more than 20 points per game during conference play. The Wisconsin defense will need to get some pressure on Shea Patterson in this game.
Wisconsin Loses Close Game
The Michigan Wolverines are trying to play their way back into the college football playoff picture, and they can’t afford any more losses. Wisconsin looks like the top team in the Big Ten West division, but they need to prove they can beat a top team from the East division.
Look for this to be a low scoring game, and Wisconsin will be in it until the end. Michigan will win the game at home, but Wisconsin will cover. Bet the Wisconsin Badgers +10 in this game.
