Western Michigan Broncos vs. Wisconsin Badgers Preview
Where: AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX
When: Tuesday, January 2, 2017 – 2:00 PM ET
Line: Western Michigan Broncos (+7.5) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (-7.5); total: 52.5 – view all NCAA Football odds and lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
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Betting on the Western Michigan Broncos (+7.5)
A win on Tuesday will be a great culmination for Western Michigan’s 2016 campaign, as it’ll further solidify that this has been the program’s greatest season. They finished the year undefeated (13-0 SU, 9-4 ATS) and was just a month removed from capturing the MAC championship (both firsts in the school’s history).
In trying to get their first Cotton Bowl title (and second consecutive bowl win), the offense should again take the spotlight. Throughout the season, the team has been widely successful in lighting up the scoreboard, finishing eighth in scoring, with a 43.8 PPG average.
Zach Terrell arguably had one of the best TD-INT ratios in the country, as he threw 32 scores and only got picked thrice. He’s go-to wideout, Corey Davis, has risen to be a potential first-round pick in the pros, thanks to garnering 1,427 yards and 18 TDs. The senior concluded his college stint as the FBS’s new career leader in receiving yards (5,212).
Over in the backfield, Jarvion Franklin and Jamauri Bogan will be in for their toughest test to date. They will be bringing in over 2,000 yards and 20 TD runs with them, but Wisconsin is sure to load up that box well. Franklin and Bogan versus the Badgers’ D is definitely one of the more interesting matchups for the game.
Their defense, which gives up 19.5 points (14th overall) and 353 total YPG (201.8 receiving, 151.2 rushing), will have to be as imposing as it has been in the season, particularly on stopping the run, with talented back Corey Clement looking to wreak havoc.
Betting on the Wisconsin Badgers (-7.5)
The Badgers may use this game to take out their frustration over the 38-31 loss in the Big Ten championship against Penn State. Should they come out victorious, it’ll be the team’s third consecutive bowl win and first in the Cotton Bowl.
There’s no doubt that right from the get go, Corey Clement and the entire ground attack will be heavily featured. Clement is headlining the three-man run game of Wisconsin, as he rushed for 1,304 yards and 14 TDs during the season. The team’s secondary backs, Dare Ogunbowale and Bradrick Shaw, also did damage, both rushed for almost 500 yards on 5.4 yards per carry and collectively had nine TD runs.
Alex Hornibook (concussion), who sat out the Big Ten title game, will be returning to the field, although we shouldn’t expect much, at least based on his performance throughout the year. In 11 games, he only put up 1,243 passing yards (113 YPG) and an 8-7 TD-INT ratio.
On defense, we should see an aggressive bunch. Led by TJ Watt (14.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks), the Badgers rank as one of the best stop units in the nation, as they give up the second-fewest rushing yards (96.9) and seventh-fewest total yards per game (303). The secondary is also a force to be reckoned with, picking off 21 passes and only allowing 12 TD catches.
The Badgers were 10-3 in the season (10-2-1 ATS).
Writer’s Prediction
The Badgers (-7.5) win a close one and doesn’t cover the spread.
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