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Illinois State vs. Wisconsin Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 1

By Josh Yourish

Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0)
Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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The Wisconsin Badgers come into 2022 unranked after a 9-4 record in 2021 and a Las Vegas Bowl win. They still have a shot to win the weak Big Ten West and begin their season with a true cupcake on their way to 1-0. 

The Illinois State Redbirds went 4-7 in FCS play a year ago and will be no match for the size and physicality that Wisconsin brings to the table. But can they cover the massive spread? That’s a different story.

Let’s take a look at the odds from WynnBET:

Illinois State vs. Wisconsin Odds, Spread and Total

Wisconsin vs. Illinois State Betting Trends

  • Wisconsin went 6-7 ATS in 2021
  • Wisconsin went 1-3 ATS in non-conference games in 2021
  • Wisconsin went 3-4 ATS as a home favorite in 2021. 

Get ready for Week 1 with The Early Reed!

Illinois State vs. Wisconsin Prediction and Pick 

Wisconsin has a new offensive coordinator in Bobby Engram this year, and he seems to want to air it out a bit more than years past. This should create more trust in quarterback Graham Mertz with the ball in his hands. Wisconsin has always had its identity of being a tough run-first team with a physical offensive line and that will not change, but perhaps some new ideas could lead to more success in big games. 

Regardless of the changes Engram makes, this will still be the Braelon Allen show. As a true freshman, the running back rushed for 1,286 on 186 carries. That’s 6.8 yards a carry. He also had 12 touchdowns and will be one of the top (non-quarterback) Heisman candidates. 

Illinois State is an FCS team and not a good one at that. Wisconsin is the type of team that should have no issues with the Redbirds because they rely on being bigger and more physical than teams anyways. So, this won’t be a change of pace at all.

Ultimately, the Badgers will establish the run and knock some rust off Allen while experimenting with Mertz and the passing game. It's the perfect game to get them ready for Washington State at Camp Randall next week. 

PICK: Wisconsin -33

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