Wisconsin Badgers (1-0) vs. Washington State Cougars (1-0)
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Washington State Cougars 9/9/23 – The Wisconsin Badgers and the Washington State Cougars both enter this game with a 1-0 record, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. This non-conference matchup will be played at Clarence D. Martin Stadium, and it promises to be a nail-biter, with both teams looking to maintain their perfect early-season records. The game will be aired on ABC at 7:30 PM ET on September 9, 2023.
The Badgers’ offensive firepower is fueled by key players like Chez Mellusi and Will Pauling. Mellusi, the running back, has been electric. In his last game, he rushed for an astounding 157 yards on just 13 attempts, averaging an eye-popping 12.1 yards per carry. With two rushing touchdowns to his name already, Mellusi seems poised to wreak havoc on Washington State’s defense. Wide Receiver Will Pauling, although not as flashy, has been reliable, pulling in 5 receptions for 55 yards in the previous game. Pauling will be critical in converting third downs and keeping the chains moving for Wisconsin.
The Cougars have a couple of standout performers in Nakia Watson and Lincoln Victor. Watson, their running back, has struggled in the rushing department, managing only 15 yards on 7 attempts in their last outing. However, he could turn out to be a dark horse, offering balance to the Cougars’ offensive game plan. Wide Receiver Lincoln Victor has been a revelation, hauling in 11 receptions for a total of 168 yards in his last game. With a high yards-per-reception average of 15.3, Victor can change the game in a single play. Check out our free latest football picks for more insights.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Washington State Cougars Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Clarence D. Martin Stadium |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
Tanner Mordecai QB vs. Cameron Ward QB
Tanner Mordecai of Wisconsin had a decent outing with 24 completions from 31 passing attempts, accumulating 189 passing yards. However, his performance was marred by 2 interceptions and a rather low passer rating of 126.4. In contrast, Cameron Ward of Washington State put up spectacular numbers in his last game. With 451 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and a stellar passer rating of 173, Ward seems to be in a league of his own. Both QBs have shown excellent completion percentages, but the depth and explosiveness brought by Ward could be the difference-maker. Ward’s ability to stretch the field with longer passes and more touchdowns gives him an edge over Mordecai.
Odds/Point Spread: Washington State Cougars +190, Total Odds: 57.5
Wisconsin Badgers Spread -5.5 (-110), Moneyline -220, Total 57.5 o (-110)
Washington State Cougars Spread +5.5 (-110), Moneyline +190, Total 57.5 u (-110)
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Trends
The Wisconsin Badgers have had a bit of a rough patch when it comes to covering the spread, going 1-4 ATS in their last five games. This could be a sign of inconsistency or perhaps over-valuation by the bookmakers. Even more concerning is their record on the road: 1-5 ATS in their last six away games, indicating that they might not be as comfortable outside their home environment. Their ATS performance against the Pac-12 conference also leaves much to be desired, with a 2-6 ATS record. However, they do have a redeeming factor; they have been strong straight up (SU) in September games, boasting a 15-5 record. This trend indicates that they often start their seasons strong, even if they fail to cover.
Washington State Cougars Betting Trends
Washington State Cougars have shown more reliability in recent times, especially from a betting standpoint. They’re 5-2 ATS in their last seven games, showing consistent performance that should give bettors some confidence. One cannot overlook their performance at home; they have been nothing short of excellent with a 5-1 ATS record in their last six home games. The Cougars seem to have established Clarence D. Martin Stadium as a fortress, a trend they’ll hope to continue. When it comes to matchups against the Big Ten, the Cougars have had a less impressive 2-5 ATS record, which might be an area of concern. Nevertheless, their overall performance in September has been strong, standing at 4-1 SU in their last five September games. This could indicate that the Cougars are also usually well-prepared coming into the new season.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Washington State Cougars 9/9/23 Betting Picks
Given the stats and trends, Washington State appears to be the better pick here. They have a strong home ATS record and an explosive quarterback in Cameron Ward, which should keep the game competitive. Wisconsin’s poor ATS trends, especially on the road, also sway the scales in favor of Washington State. The Cougars might not only cover the spread but could also pull off an outright win. For more insights, check out our latest sports picks today.
Free Pick and Prediction: Washington State Cougars will win 31-28.