Washington State vs. Wisconsin Week 2 College Football Picks: Will Badgers Maintain Stingy Defense?
The Washington State Cougars and Wisconsin Badgers meet in a non-conference matchup of two 1-0 teams in Week 2. We're breaking down the betting with our Washington State-Wisconsin picks.
Washington State was picked to finish seventh in the Pac-12 preseason poll. However, some are questioning whether that was too generous as the Cougars eked out a 24-17 victory over rival Idaho last week for their 10th consecutive win in the series. Conversely, then-No. 18 Wisconsin did what it was supposed to do in routing Illinois State 38-0, covering the spread as a -36.5 favorite in the process.
Here are our top picks for the college football Week 2 game between Washington State and Wisconsin (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM, and DraftKings Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Washington State vs. Wisconsin Game Info
Date: Saturday, Sept. 10, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Location: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI
Weather: 81 degrees, 24% chance of precipitation, 8-mph SSW winds
Washington State vs. Wisconsin Odds Analysis
Wisconsin’s point spread is all around the key number of 17. FanDuel is the only one of our top-rated sportsbooks offering lower at -16.5. DraftKings is as high as -18. The Badgers have received 90% of the tickets and 79% of the cash.
The total is as low as 48.5 at FanDuel and as high as 49.5 at BetMGM and PointsBet.
Washington State vs. Wisconsin Picks
Washington State vs. Wisconsin ATS Pick
Wisconsin -16.5 (-122) ★★★
We will not overreact too much to Washington State's narrow seven-point win over FCS foe Idaho, as there was a possible lookahead factor to this matchup. In addition, though Wisconsin rolled to a 38-point victory, the Badgers did not get rolling until a 100-yard pick-six near the end of the first quarter broke the scoring and turned the tide. However, those reasons alone are not enough to warrant this spread being so low, as the Badgers are much better than this line indicates if they play their best game.
Wisconsin has been off-brand the last couple of years, failing to generate consistency on offense. A lot of that blame is pinned on quarterback Graham Mertz, who is an incredibly talented and accurate passer, but things have not seemed to click in his time in Madison.
However, we are potentially witnessing Mertz turn the corner right before our eyes. Over the last three games of the 2021 regular season, he threw six touchdowns to just two interceptions, with a 71.9% completion rate. In addition, running back Braelon Allen averaged 6.8 yards per carry last season (tied for the most in FBS) and broke off a 96-yard touchdown run for one of his two scores in the 2022 season opener. The 96-yarder was the longest run in school history.
As long as Mertz continues to make strides, we know the production we will see from Allen on the ground, which should lead to a Week 2 cover. We would not play this number anywhere higher than -17.
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Washington State vs. Wisconsin O/U Pick
Under 49.5 (-110) ★★★★
Wisconsin was projected to have the No. 1 defense in the country this season and looked every bit the part in holding Illinois State to 243 total yards. The Badgers' depth in the secondary will be tested as they will be without safety Hunter Wohler, who left last week's game due to a leg injury. That is coupled with another injury from the preseason, as safety Travian Blaylock is out for the year.
Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward played at Incarnate Word last year, led all FBS quarterbacks in touchdown passes (47), and was third in yards (4,648). However, Wisconsin's stout run defense will make Washington State one-dimensional, make it easier to defend the pass, and bring the more inexperienced injury replacements up to speed.
Washington State vs. Wisconsin Prop Pick
First half Under 24 (+110) ★★
In addition to liking the full-game Under, we are adding the Under for the first half, given both teams' struggles early last week. In addition, the Cougars hung tough in the trenches and limited Idaho to just 1.8 yards per carry.
It will not be as easy to hold the Badgers to that average, but Wisconsin should also force Mertz to do more with his arm instead of being run all over.
Where to Bet on Washington State-Wisconsin Picks
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Washington State-Wisconsin picks made 9/7/2022 at 6:18 a.m. ET
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