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Western Kentucky vs Wisconsin NCAA Football Week 1 Spread

Western Kentucky vs Wisconsin NCAA Football Week 1 Spread

Written by on August 22, 2018

NCAA Football Betting News
The Wisconsin Badgers begin their quest for a College Football Playoff berth versus Western Kentucky on Friday, August 31. Can the Badgers start the season off with a huge win and cover the college football Week 1 odds?

Western Kentucky vs Wisconsin NCAA Football Week 1 Spread

When: Friday, Aug. 31 at 9:00 pm ET Where: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI TV: ESPN Radio: TuneIn Live Stream: WatchESPN ATS Odds: Wisconsin -34 (-110) Over/Under Total Odds: 51 (-110)

Why Western Kentucky is a good bet at +34?

For a Football Bowl Series team, Western Kentucky has a decent defense. The Hilltoppers allowed 26.5 points per game. They allowed less than 380 yards, 377, per matchup last season. Western Kentucky’s defense got better as the season continued. Any more improvements and Western Kentucky’s defense might hold opponents to an average of less than 25 or even 24 points per game. Often one of the top scoring teams in Conference-USA, Western Kentucky’s offense averaged 25.5 points per game in 2017. Western Kentucky did average 396 yards per. If the Hilltoppers can punch it in against Wisconsin, they might keep pace.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Average Score For: 25.46
  • Total Yards: 396.62
  • Pass Yards: 335
  • Rush Yards: 61.62
Defense:
  • Average Score Against: 26.85
  • Total Yards: 377.16
  • Pass Yards: 206.85
  • Rush Yards: 170.31

Why Wisconsin is a good bet at -34?

Are the Badgers a safe bet for Week 1? Wisconsin’s offense should be one of the top units in college football. Not only does the Badgers’ offense return Heisman Trophy running back candidate Jonathan Taylor, it also returns quarterback Alex Hornibrook and 5 starters on the offensive line. That makes Wisconsin the best rushing team in college football. The defense is brand new, but it should be okay because coach Paul Chryst has recruited well. The defense shouldn’t have trouble handling Western Kentucky’s offense no matter if it needs a game or two to gel. It sure appears that Wisconsin blows out the Hilltoppers on August 31.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Average Score For: 33.79
  • Total Yards: 415
  • Pass Yards: 192.07
  • Rush Yards: 222.93
Defense:
  • Average Score Against: 13.93
  • Total Yards: 262.07
  • Pass Yards: 163.64
  • Rush Yards: 98.43

Western Kentucky vs Wisconsin Final Analysis: Wisconsin Has No Excuses not to Cover ATS

Early season trend betting is tricky in college football because teams change so much from year to year. Some trends should play out as expected when Wisconsin battles Western Kentucky, though. WKU is 1-6 ATS in their last 6 road games. They’re also 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 versus the Big Ten. Wisconsin is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games. Wisconsin’s superior rushing attack will dominate Western Kentucky’s defense. The Hilltoppers won’t keep up because although inexperienced, the Badgers’ defense has some strong players. Plus, Chryst puts together smart defensive strategies dependent on Wisconsin’s opponent. I’m willing to lay the points. NCAA Football Week 1 Pick: Wisconsin -34
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