The Wisconsin Badgers have a healthy lead in the all-time rivalry with the Illinois Fighting Illini (40-36), most notably winning 11 of the last 12 games. The Badgers are also 5-2 against the spread (ATS) over the most recent seven meetings with the Illini. The undefeated Badgers are taking their 7-0 record into Champaign, Illinois this Week 9 of the college football season, and fully intend on extending their winning streak and recent dominance in the rivalry. But if Illinois (+26) can manage a win there is some serious money to be made, if you bet accordingly, that is. Register to bet and turn an upset into a big payday!
Betting Preview for the Wisconsin Badgers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Week 9 College Football Game on Oct 28 2017
Where: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois
When: Saturday, October 28 2017, 12 PM EST
Line: Wisconsin Badgers (-26) vs Illinois Fighting Illini (+26) – view all NCAA Football lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Wisconsin Badgers 7-0 (-26)
The Wisconsin Badgers played another complete game both offensively and defensively in their solid 38-13 home win over Maryland last week to improve to 7-0. Alex Hornibrook was solid, connecting on 16 of 24 passes for 225 yards with two touchdowns against one interception. The sophomore quarterback is having a decent season, collecting 1435 passing yards with a 13:7 TD to INT ratio.
The Badgers potent running game was on display in the win last week, rushing for 215 yards with Jonathan Taylor leading the way with a 126-yard performance. The freshman running back is one the most dangerous running backs in all of College Football, ranking fourth in the Country with 1112 rushing yards to go with 11 touchdowns.
Badgers leading receiver Quintez Cephus made his presence felt, bringing in 45 receiving yards and leads his team with 446 yards. The Badgers offense has been very consistent this season led by their dominant running game which is ranked 16th in the Nation.
The Badgers defense put on another superb defensive performance in the win over Maryland, limiting them to only 268 total yards, which included 125 passing yards. Wisconsin features one of the best defensive units in the Country which is a big reason they are still undefeated. They are first in the Big Ten West with a 4-0 record in conference play with five more to play.
Betting on the Illinois Fighting Illini 2-5 (+26)
The Illinois Fighting Illini could not hold a 14-0 halftime lead in their tough 24-17 road loss to Minnesota last weekend. Jeff George Jr. got the start and was solid, converting on 18 of 23 passes for 128 yards with one touchdown. The freshman quarterback has struggled at times, recording 893 passing yards with a poor 4:7 TD to INT ratio in four games. Ra’Von Bonner saw a bulk of the carries last week and tallied 57 rushing yards.
The freshman running back has now tallied 202 rushing yards with a team-leading four touchdowns on the season. Illinois is playing without leading rusher Mike Epstein who is out of the year. Fighting Illini’ leading receiver Ricky Smalling made his presence felt, bringing in eight grabs for 71 yards.
The freshman receiver is off to an encouraging start to his collegiate career, notching 343 receiving yards. The Illinois offense has not been able to find their identity which is to be expected as this team features more freshman than any other team in the Country.
The Illinois defense played well overall in the loss to Minnesota but their inexperience showed late in the game. They are having trouble stopping the run, which was again the case last week, surrendering 292 rushing yards. Illinois is sitting in last place in the Big Ten West with an 0-4 mark in conference play.
Writer’s Prediction
I am taking Wisconsin in this matchup. The Badgers are looking unbeatable, while Illinois has lost five straight and are struggling on both sides of the ball . Pick: Wisconsin (-26)
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