The No. 20 Wisconsin Badgers had a rough start to their 2015 season. The Badgers are still smarting from their 35-17 loss to Alabama in Week 1, but there’s little time for them to dwell on that setback, as they travel back to Madison for their home opener. As for the Miami (OH) RedHawks, they will look to build on their Week 1 victory over Presbyterian College. Will the RedHawks score a massive upset? Or will the Badgers vent all their frustrations on Miami (OH)?
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[sc:NCAAFArticles ]Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Wisconsin Badgers Preview
Where: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison
When: Saturday, September 12, 12:00 PM ET
Line: Miami (OH) RedHawks at Wisconsin Badgers – view all NCAA Football lines
Betting on the Miami (OH) RedHawks
[sc:NCAA240banner ]Now it gets tough for the RedHawks. Following a walk-in-the-park 26-7 win over FCS program Presbyterian College at home last Saturday, the RedHawks take the road for the first time this season to face Big Ten heavyweight Wisconsin. Winning a road game appears to be a daunting task for Miami (OH) against any kind of competition, though, as the RedHawks are 0-17 SU in their last 17 tilts away from Oxford. Nevertheless, they are 5-1 ATS in past six road contests.
Miami (OH)’s offense was firing on all cylinders against the Blue Hose. Quarterback Drew Kummer threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions on 14 of 19 passing. The backfield, led by freshman running back Alonzo Smith, compiled 205 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Smith rushed for 86 yards and scored both of the RedHawks’ touchdowns on the ground. Kummer also showed his ability to use his legs by racking up 35 rushing yards on six carries.
However, while the RedHawks’ offense shined against Presbyterian College, their defense did not. Miami (OH) let the Blue Hose score just seven points, but also allowed 318 total yards, which doesn’t sound great heading into a matchup with a national championship contender.
Miami (OH)’s front seven definitely have a difficult assignment at hand, as they should be able to contain Wisconsin quarterback Joel Stave. The need for the pass rush to step up becomes even more highlighted when considering the RedHawks’ stripped down secondary that no longer has star cornerback Quinten Rollins (now in the NFL).
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Betting on the Wisconsin Badgers
After tasting the wrath of Alabama last week, the Badgers look to pick up the pieces and notch their first won of the season in front of their home crowd when they make their debut in Madison this coming Saturday. The Badgers are 7-0 SU in their last seven games as the home team.
Wisconsin had a hard time moving the chains through rushing against the Crimson Tide. The Badgers only managed to rush for 40 yards as against ‘Bama’s 264. Corey Clement, expected to be Wisconsin’s backfield stud this season, was slowed by a groin injury and had only 16 rushing yards on 16 carries.
In fairness to Wisconsin, the Crimson Tide entered the field on Saturday with arguably the best front seven in the nation, which largely explains why the Badgers opted to run the ball just 21 times. Instead, the Badgers leaned on their passing game with Joel Stave throwing for 228 yards and two touchdowns with an interception on 26 of 39 passing.
The Badgers, however, may finally get their offense running at full speed against the aforementioned Miami (OH) defense that didn’t do a fine job of limiting lowly Presbyterian College from racking up yards.
On defense, Badgers’ safety Michael Caputo could be out against Miami (OH). Caputo, who led the team last season with 106 tackles last season, was pulled out in the first half of the Alabama game after an apparent head injury.
Writer’s Prediction
Wisconsin wins, 42-10.
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