Northwestern at Wisconsin Expert College Football Picks Against the Spread 9/28/2019

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Camp Randall Stadium

Jack Coan and the Wisconsin Badgers host the Northwestern Wildcats at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, September 28, 2019. Wisconsin opens this contest as 22-point favorites. The Wildcats are 0-3-0 ATS and 1-2-0 when betting on the total. The Badgers are 2-1-0 when wagering on the over/under and 3-0-0 against the spread.

Key Northwestern Wildcats Injuries

09/22/19 WR Bennett Skowronek Undisclosed is questionable Saturday vs Wisconsin
09/22/19 RB John Moten IV Undisclosed is questionable Saturday vs Wisconsin
09/22/19 DB Trae Williams Undisclosed is questionable Saturday vs Wisconsin
09/06/19 QB TJ Green Foot is out for season

Key Wisconsin Badgers Injuries

09/22/19 NT Bryson Williams Leg is questionable Saturday vs Northwestern
09/22/19 TE Luke Benzschawel Knee is questionable Saturday vs Northwestern
09/21/19 S Eric Burrell Targeting Suspension will miss 1st half vs Northwestern
09/21/19 S Reggie Pearson Targeting Suspension will miss 1st half vs Northwestern
09/09/19 S Scott Nelson Leg is out for season
08/30/19 TE Zander Neuville Knee is out for season
08/29/19 WR Cade Green Leg is out for season
08/29/19 TE Gabe Lloyd Leg is out for season
08/29/19 LS Josh Bernhagen Leg is out for season
08/15/19 NT Gunnar Roberge Arm is out indefinitely

The last time they took the field, the Northwestern Wildcats went up against the Michigan State Spartans and were beaten 31-10. Drake Anderson led the team on the ground for the game. He tore off a long run of 17 yards and he added 1 touchdown for the contest. He rushed for 91 yards via 17 carries which means he ran for an average of 5.4 yards per run. Bennett Skowronek led the team in receiving yardage with a tally of 31 yards on 3 catches. He had an average of 10.3 yards per reception for the game. Leading the way at QB for the Wildcats was Hunter Johnson who went 15/26 with 88 yards through the air but didn't get a passing TD in the game. He tossed 1 pick during the game. The Northwestern Wildcats rushed the ball a total of 43 times and totaled 140 yards earning them an average of 3.3 yards per attempt. Overall, the Wildcats had a total of 17 1st downs and they had a total of 3 penalties for 25 yards telling us that this team was extremely focused in this game. In all, they totaled 80 plays which added up to 266 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, Northwestern allowed 18 completions on 31 throws totaling 228 yards, and a completion percentage of 58.1%. Overall, they conceded a total of 340 yards and forced 1 turnover. On the ground, the Wildcats allowed 112 yards on 39 runs which gave the opponent an average of 2.9 yards per attempt allowed.

The Wildcats step onto the field holding a record of 1-2 for the 2019 season. For total yards, they are currently ranked 14th in the conference and 121st in college football with 917 yards. They are one of lowest scoring teams in the nation averaging 15.7 points per contest, ranking them 129th in college football. As a team, they are averaging 169.7 yards on the ground per contest which is 8th in the Big Ten Conference. The Wildcats have one of the best defenses in Division 1, giving up 20.7 points per contest ranking them 8th in the Big Ten Conference. When it comes to yards through the air, the Wildcats have conceded 408 yards. Opponents are completing 62.6% of the passes they throw against them and averaging 6.4 yards per attempt. In regard to yards on the ground, Northwestern is giving up 151.3 yards per contest which has them at 11th in the Big Ten and 78th in Division 1. Opposing teams are running for an average of 4 yards per carry putting them 11th in the Big Ten and 67th in Division 1 overall. Overall, they have allowed 454 yards rushing through 3 contests.

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In their last game, the Wisconsin Badgers played the Michigan Wolverines and notched a win by a score of 35-14. Running the show from under center for the Badgers was Jack Coan who went 13/16 with 128 yards passing but wasn't able to get any balls in the endzone via the pass. He finished the game without throwing an interception. Jonathan Taylor paced the team in rushing for that game. He tore off a long run of 72 yards and he tallied 2 touchdowns for the game. He ran for 203 yards on 23 carries which meant he was running for 8.8 yards per run. Garrett Groshek was the receiving yardage leader by earning 38 yards on 2 catches. He notched an average of 19.0 yards per reception for that game. The Wisconsin Badgers ran the ball a total of 57 times and racked up 359 yards which gave them an average of 6.3 yards per rushing attempt. Overall, they ran 73 plays for 487 yards. For the game, the Badgers racked up 25 1st downs and they had a total of 9 penalties for 69 yards which shows us how undisciplined this team can be. In terms of defense, Wisconsin gave up 17 completions on 42 throws for a total of 259 yards, and a completion percentage of 40.5%. In the running game, the Badgers gave up 40 yards on 19 carries giving the other team an average of 2.1 yards per carry allowed. Overall, they conceded a total of 299 yards and earned 4 turnovers.

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The Badgers come into this matchup with a record of 3-0. Wisconsin has shown the nation they have a formidable rushing attack by averaging 264 rushing yards per game, ranking them 11th in the country. As a team, they have a total of 792 yards rushing through 3 games, so they'll look to continue their dominance on the ground to grind out wins. The Badgers average 506.3 yards per game overall which has them at 18th in the country and 3rd in the Big Ten. The Badgers are giving up 4.7 points per contest which puts them at 1st in the conference and 1st in D-1. Their passing defense is one of the elite groups in the nation. They are giving up 144.3 passing yards per contest. For passing yards allowed per game, the Badgers are ranked 2nd in the Big Ten Conference. In discussing points allowed, they have given up 14 total points. When it comes to yards on the ground, they are giving up 32.7 yards per game which puts them at 2nd in Division 1 and 1st in the Big Ten. In 2019, they have given up 98 yards rushing and 0 rushing TDs.

Who will win tonight's Wildcats/Badgers college football game against the spread?

Guy's Pick: Take the Wildcats +22

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