NCAA Odds: No 8 Nebraska Cornhuskers at No 7 Wisconsin Badgers
Friday, September 30, 2011
by WagerWeb Sportsbook
Saturday is one of the most anticipated games in years for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program, and that’s saying quite a lot, as the Huskers travel to Madison to face Wisconsin Badgers in Nebraska’s first-ever Big Ten game– and it’s likely a preview of this winter’s conference title tilt in Indianapolis. Got a betting strategy? The Badgers are 10-point favorites on Wager Web Sportsbook.
This game certainly also contains major implications for the BCS title picture possibly even the Heisman Trophy between quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Taylor Martinez. The Wisconsin Badgers have outscored their first four opponents 194-34 but faced suspect competition.
Nebraska Cornhuskers presents a problem for opposing defenses with a prolific ground attack that is averaging 272.5 yards per game. Martinez and tailback Rex Burkhead have been quite the duo. Both have 63 carries on the year and are separated by a single yard (Martinez at 421 yards and Burkhead at 420 yards). The pair have seven touchdowns apiece on the ground.
Wilson, the NC State transfer, has been terrific in leading the Big Ten’s top offense at 532.2 yards per game. The team is averaging 245.5 yards rushing and another 286.8 yards passing per game. Wilson has played lights out, completing 75.8 percent of his passes, for 1,136 yards, with 11 TDs and just one INT. The Badgers also have one of the best 1-2 punches at running back in the country in Montee Ball and James White. Wilson has only been sacked three times in four games. If the Cornhuskers stop the run but can’t pressure Wilson, they still could be in for a rough night.
Considering whom they’ve played (UNLV, Oregon State, Northern Illinois, South Dakota), is Badgers’ defense (leads Big Ten, third in nation in scoring, 8.5 ppg) really that good? One problem is that it has forced only three turnovers (last in Big Ten, 103rd in nation). It’ll be Badgers LB Chris Borland’s primary responsibility to keep Martinez contained. Martinez doesn’t always make sound decisions in the passing game, especially under duress. Cornhuskers Gs Spencer Long and Andrew Rodriguez are first-year starters who haven’t shown great balance in pass protection, so the Badgers can attack the middle of the offensive line with Borland’s instincts and closing speed inside.
Under Bret Bielema, Badgers are 1-5 vs. Top 10 teams. They have won 13 straight at home while averaging 46 points per game. Wisconsin is 27-3 in its last 30 night games, winning the last six. These two teams haven’t met since 1974. Media have tabbed Wisconsin as the heavy favorite to win the Leaders Division and Nebraska is a popular choice to win the Legends.
Betting strategies and betting odds at Wager Web Sportsbook.
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andrew rodriguez - bret bielema - chris borland - heisman trophy - james white - montee ball - nebraska cornhuskers - rex burkhead - russell wilson - spencer long
