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The Badgers are favorites at the NCAAF Week 11 Odds.

Wisconsin Badgers NCAA Football 2016 Season Betting Preview

Written by on July 10, 2016

Will the Wisconsin Badgers cash in against their online college football odds more than they did a year ago? Despite playing for a new head coach and losing their starting running back in 2015, the Badgers never missed a beat in winning 10 games and recording a bowl game victory. Now, as Paul Chryst gets set for his second season at his beloved Big Ten alma mater, let’s find out what lies ahead for Wisconsin in 2016.

Take a Look at our Wisconsin Badgers 2016 Season NCAA Football Odds Preview

Offense

The Badgers (10-3 SU, 6-7 ATS) were solid on offense last season, but certainly not overwhelming in any sense of the word. Wisconsin finished the 2015 season ranked 79th in total offense (378.6 ypg) and 81st in scoring (26.7 ppg). The bad news for the Badgers is that they need to find a new starting quarterback. Senior signal-caller Bart Houston is the front runner to replace Joel Stave but freshman Alex Hornibrook could challenge for the starting job. While Wisconsin’s rushing attack ranked 95th last season, I believe the return of gifted tailback Corey Clement, the heir apparent to record-breaking tailback Melvin Gordon, will solve Chryst’s desire to improve what has a=been a perennially powerful rushing attack at the Big Ten school. Clement was limited to four games and just 48 carries because of a sports hernia injury, but he is fully healed and could surprise in a big way. Running backs Dare Ogunbowale, Taiwan Deal and Bradrick Shaw add to Wisconsin’s deep backfield. Wisconsin must also address an offensive line that was mediocre at best a year ago. A whopping seven different combinations started on the O-line in 2015, including four redshirt freshmen. The good news is that Wisconsin returns seven linemen with starting experience and only lost one starter from last season’s team in left tackle Tyler Marz.

Defense

Wisconsin was flat-out dominant on defense in 2015, ranking second overall (268.5 ypg) and a first in points allowed by limiting the opposition to just 13.6 points per game. Wisconsin has seven returning starters on defense and a new coordinator in the form of Justin Wilcox, formerly of USC. The bad news is that the Badgers lost their two best defensive players in linebacker Joe Schobert (9.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles) for a loss and safety Michael Caputo. Still, Wisconsin’s front seven should be very solid in 2016. Outside linebacker Vince Biegel (eight sacks) and cornerbacks Derrick Tindal and Sojourn Shelton will be expected to lead the defense in 2016. The Badgers do have question marks at the safety position after losing starters Michael Caputo and Tanner McEvoy, but I believe Wisconsin will be very good on this side of the ball in 2010, even if they’re not quite as good as they were a year ago.

By The Numbers

  • Wisconsin is 4-2 ATS in its last six games
  • The Badgers are just 4-5 ATS in their L/9 games
  • The Under is 7-3 in Wisconsin’s L/10 games
  • Wisconsin is 6-1 SU in its last seven conference games
  • The Badgers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 conference games

My Expert 2016 Wisconsin Badgers Season Prediction

I really like Wisconsin and believe they are in capable hands with Paul Chryst in charge, but as far as 2016 is concerned, I’m expecting Wisconsin to have a similar campaign as the one they had in 2015. The Badgers have an extremely tough regular season and home opener against LSU and road dates at conference rivals Michigan and Michigan State, not to mention another home date against Ohio State. In the end, I can see the Badgers suffering at leas three losses this coming season, leaving tem on the outside looking in for both, the Big Ten conference title game and a shot at a berth in he four-team playoff.