The Wisconsin Badgers and LSU Tigers have lots in common. Both lost key players this offseason, which has left them with some question marks at quarterback, receiver and on defense heading into the season. Both teams also possess tremendous offensive lines and very talented running backs.
But exactly which running game is better? That very interesting question will be answered when the Badgers and Tigers do battle on a neutral field in Houston, Texas on Saturday.
This game is just one of the five best college football games in this much anticipated Week 1. Check our entire list of college games to catch in the opening weekend here, as well as our Clemson vs. Georgia Preview, and read on for more on this mouth-watering clash between two Top 15-ranked teams.
[sc:NCAAFArticles]No. 14 Wisconsin Badgers vs. No. 13 LSU Tigers Prediction and Betting Preview
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston
When: Saturday, August 30, 9:00 PM ET
Line: Wisconsin (+5.5) at LSU (-5); total 50.0 – view all NCAA Football lines
Betting on Wisconsin
It’s a case of good news/bad news for the Badgers this season. First, the good news.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]The Badgers return four of their starting linemen that helped lead the team to a 9-4 SU (9-4 ATS) record last season. Those four will be blocking for junior running back Melvin Gordon, who ranked 10th in the nation with 1,609 yards last season and added 12 TDs.
Gordon showed he can run just fine even against an SEC defense when he gained 143 rushing yards against South Carolina in the Capital One Bowl. Expect Gordon to be fed the ball early and often against the Tigers.
So that’s the good news…now the bad news.
Just about all of Wisconsin’s starting defense from 2013, which ranked second behind Michigan State in scoring defense and rushing defense last year, is gone, including the entire front seven. Head coach Gary Anderson and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda still have some decent talent to work with, but getting them ready to face LSU will be a challenge.
There is also the small matter of who plays quarterback for this team. Joel Stave, last year’s starter, suffered a serious shoulder injury, while his prospective replacement, Tanner McEvoy, played safety last year. Nonetheless, whoever plays, at least for the game against LSU, their job will be pretty simple: hand off to Gordon and get out of the way.
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Betting on LSU
Much like Wisconsin, LSU lost key players both on offense and defense from last year’s team that went 10-3 SU (5-7-1 ATS). Quarterback Zach Mettenberger, running back Jeremy Hill, receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and defensive tackles Ego Ferguson and Anthony Johnson are all gone. But such is the Tigers’ impeccable recruitment that they’re once again stocked up on five-star talent.
Leading the way for their No. 2-ranked 2014 recruiting class is the No. 1 overall recruit, running back Leonard Fournette. The 19-year old has already drawn comparisons to a young Adrian Peterson, which tells you all you need to know about his ability.
Fournette and Terrence Magee, the top returning rusher from last year, will be rushing behind an O-line which, just like Wisconsin’s, returns four starters, including a possible All-American tackle in La’el Collins. With major question marks surrounding quarterback candidates Anthony Jennings (a sophomore) and Brandon Harris (a true freshman), the Tigers will be leaning on their solid run game against the Badgers’ brand new defense.
As always, there’s NFL-caliber talent teeming in the Tigers’ defense, but it’s still far from tested. LSU did still finish third in the SEC with 143 rushing yards allowed/game, but could give up a couple more in their first game without last year’s starting tackles, Ferguson and Johnson.
Writer’s Predictions
When in doubt, go for the underdog with a potential Heisman winner. Between the shaky quarterbacks and defenses, Gordon is perhaps the surest thing in this game, and his excellent running should at least keep the Badgers close. Take Wisconsin to cover +5 against LSU.
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