Wisconsin vs Michigan: Game preview, odds, prediction

No. 8 Wisconsin Badgers vs No. 4 Michigan Wolverines

Saturday afternoon’s Wisconsin vs Michigan game will have serious implications on the Big Ten title race. The Badgers are coming off a huge road win against No. 8 Michigan State and Michigan, who has yet to play away from home in 2016, just put the hurt on Penn State to open conference play.

Both of these teams are likely going to be favorites to win their respective divisions and potentially meet up in the title game in December, but only one will be left picking up the pieces after a loss Saturday.

Not many expected Wisconsin to be this good early on in 2016 while Michigan has been a popular pick to win the national title in Vegas. It’s too early to truly tell how good each team is, but we will find out more at the Big House Saturday.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Wisconsin vs Michigan game:

Date: Saturday, October 1
Start Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Venue: Michigan Stadium
TV: ABC
Live Stream: ABC Go

Keys to Victory

For Wisconsin to win, the Badgers need to rely on the run game more than Alex Hornibrook’s arm. The freshman quarterback may have had a nice game against Michigan State, but the Spartans’ secondary was playing relaxed coverage, and you can’t expect Michigan to do the same. Also, added pressure on Wilton Speight will be beneficial.

Much like Wisconsin’s key to victory, the Wolverines must force some extra pressure on Hornibrook and make him uncomfortable in the pocket. He’s a brand new starting quarterback and he has never faced a defense like Michigan’s. Forcing him out of the pocket will create turnovers and Wisconsin won’t be able to come back from that.

Betting Odds

Somewhat surprisingly, Michigan opens as a 10.5-point favorite and the over/under is set at 44.5. Wisconsin has already beat two top-10 teams this season away from home and Vegas is giving the Badgers no respect. Taking Wisconsin with the points might not be a bad idea.

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Prediction

Michigan is going to build an early 14-0 lead and Wisconsin will fight and crawl its way back into the game, knotting it up at halftime. The Wolverines will add a couple of field goals in the third and Wisconsin will kick one. The Badgers will tie it up once again in the fourth with a chip-shot field goal, but Michigan will have the last laugh. Speight finds Jehu Chesson for the game-winning touchdown with six minutes left.

Final: Wisconsin 20, Michigan 27