The No. 13 Wisconsin Badgers are 1-0 SU and ATS this season, having played only one game in 2020 due to a COVID-19 outbreak that forced the team to cancel its last two contests. The Badgers are finally expected to return to the field Saturday to face the Michigan Wolverines, who are 0-2 SU and ATS over their last two games.
- Date/Time: November 14, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Stadium: Michigan Stadium
- TV Coverage: ABC
- Sportsbook Odds: Michigan -1 | O/U 51.5 (Line History)
- Wisconsin vs Michigan Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
Michigan opened as a 1-point favorite in the Big House, but early action has flipped the spread as it is now the Badgers going off as 1-point favorites on the road. The total has remained steady at 51.5 points. The OVER is 6-2 in Michigan’s last eight games against Wisconsin.
Wisconsin News & Notes
The Badgers looked fantastic on both sides of the ball in their season-Sportsbook 45-7 win over the Illinois Fighting Illini. Freshman quarterback Graham Mertz was particularly impressive in the win, completing 20 of his 21 passes for 248 yards and five touchdowns.
The highly touted quarterback recruit was originally expected to start the season behind Jack Coan on the depth chart, but a foot injury to Coan opened the door for Mertz and he certainly made an impression in his first game.
Unfortunately, it has been only one game with Mertz under center as scheduled games against the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Purdue Boilermakers were canceled due to a team-wide coronavirus outbreak.
It’s going to be difficult for handicappers to know whether the Badgers will come into this game well-rested and well-prepared from their time off or flat and rusty after having their season and practice schedules upended.
Michigan News & Notes
Michigan’s defense got torched for 460 total yards and 38 points in last Saturday’s 38-21 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers. The Wolverines have had success in recent years under head coach Jim Harbaugh due to their strong running game and defensive play, but neither of those elements was on display against Indiana as Michigan finished the day with just 13 rushing yards.
Quarterback Joe Milton had 344 passing yards and three touchdowns in the loss, but he completed only 52.9 percent of his passes and threw two interceptions as well.
After suffering back-to-back losses as a 21.5-point favorite against the Michigan State Spartans and a 4-point favorite against Indiana, the Wolverines find themselves in the rare position of being a home underdog this weekend. Michigan is 1-8 SU and 3-6 ATS in its last nine games as a home dog.
Betting Pick: OVER 51.5 points
Given how poorly Michigan’s defense is playing this season, it’s hard to imagine Wisconsin not enjoying success on offense. Joe Milton has proven capable enough on offense that he should be able to produce enough big plays against Wisconsin’s defense to send this one OVER the posted total.
- Wisconsin is 14-5 SU in its last 19 road games.
- Michigan is 0-17 SU in its last 17 games as a dog.
- The OVER is 6-1 in Wisconsin’s last 7 games.
