I've read the threads on this game and wanted to put my two cents worth in:
It's an interesting line because- Yes, the home team has been very successful in this rivalry, but this game could be different and here is why:
For Wisky: They are suffering right now through a very thin roster with various illnesses and injuries. Don't forget that Bruesewitz missed a large portion of the season already and then game back only to get concussed. The badgers are outgunned in the front court facing up against Nix and Payne- who are both playing at a very high level right now. Guard George Marshall- who went for 20 points in their loss at Iowa- has been out with a serious illness that has kept him from practicing. If he plays tonight, he will be limited. Frank Kaminsky- who can shoot the 3- is definitely out tonight after getting poked in the eye at Indiana- and this will further deplete their backcourt. I would say that the Badgers are a very, very tough out at the Kohl Center but they will have a hard time tonight matching Sparty's depth.
For MSU: They are peaking. Adreian Payne is becoming a man-child and will be very tough for Wisconsin to stop. Although the Spartans have been under performing, the Penn State game marked the beginning of what I consider their annual ascent. Even though this is an extremely difficult stretch of their schedule and the results may not be there every night- they will be in most of these games. Also, Izzo just named junior guard Keith Appling a captain a day or two ago. Appling has been a Badger killer in his career and this could be the extra boost that he needs to zero in on them again. Dawson is understanding that he can be the best player on the court every night and is starting to look more and more like the high flyer he was before his ACL tear.
To sum up: In years past, this is a game where I would have said Sparty will get crushed. This just feels different to me right now. I don't bet Spartan games because I am the ultimate homer, but I believe they cover 5.5 and probably win outright.
Good luck everyone.
It's an interesting line because- Yes, the home team has been very successful in this rivalry, but this game could be different and here is why:
For Wisky: They are suffering right now through a very thin roster with various illnesses and injuries. Don't forget that Bruesewitz missed a large portion of the season already and then game back only to get concussed. The badgers are outgunned in the front court facing up against Nix and Payne- who are both playing at a very high level right now. Guard George Marshall- who went for 20 points in their loss at Iowa- has been out with a serious illness that has kept him from practicing. If he plays tonight, he will be limited. Frank Kaminsky- who can shoot the 3- is definitely out tonight after getting poked in the eye at Indiana- and this will further deplete their backcourt. I would say that the Badgers are a very, very tough out at the Kohl Center but they will have a hard time tonight matching Sparty's depth.
For MSU: They are peaking. Adreian Payne is becoming a man-child and will be very tough for Wisconsin to stop. Although the Spartans have been under performing, the Penn State game marked the beginning of what I consider their annual ascent. Even though this is an extremely difficult stretch of their schedule and the results may not be there every night- they will be in most of these games. Also, Izzo just named junior guard Keith Appling a captain a day or two ago. Appling has been a Badger killer in his career and this could be the extra boost that he needs to zero in on them again. Dawson is understanding that he can be the best player on the court every night and is starting to look more and more like the high flyer he was before his ACL tear.
To sum up: In years past, this is a game where I would have said Sparty will get crushed. This just feels different to me right now. I don't bet Spartan games because I am the ultimate homer, but I believe they cover 5.5 and probably win outright.
Good luck everyone.