Prediction, Preview, and Betting Lines for Minnesota vs. Wisconsin: The Badgers' Bowl hopes on the Line

Wisconsin should not be tense about making it to the bowl game.

No one thought the schedule would be easy, but the team has not even come close to the good to great teams they have played.

Yes, the final scores against Oregon and Penn State were not bad, but… no. It did not look like the Badgers had the slightest bit of hope that they could pull out either one.

Last week, they did not get off the bus against a weak Nebraska team. This week, they have to win or go without a bowl game for the first time since 2001.

A few weeks ago, Minnesota beat Illinois to get into a bowl game. But they had a tough time against Rutgers and let Penn State score in a 26-25 loss. Now it can not only make the other team’s season end, but also get back the Paul Bunyan Axe.

Minnesota vs Wisconsin: How to Watch and Game Preview

Date: Friday, November 29, 2024
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
How To Watch: CBS
Venue: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI
Teams: Wisconsin (5-6), Minnesota (6-5)

Why Minnesota Will Win

The season for Wisconsin’s pass defense ended in the middle of October.

The Badgers are not really getting burned. In the last four games, quarterbacks have hit close to 75% of their passes, most of which were midrange. This means that they are being killed by 1,000 cuts.

Minnesota does not have a very strong passing game, but the team is 4-0 when Max Brosmer completes 70% of his throws. But…

Why Wisconsin Will Win

Do not stop moving the chains.

The Badgers are not doing anything on third downs, which is a problem. The offense last scored 40% on third base six games ago, in a rout of Rutgers.

Last week against Penn State, Minnesota’s defense was great on third downs. But so far this season, it is let teams convert 41% of their changes, with eight of those 11 teams getting to 40% or more.

They need to improve their chances of winning, which means running the ball more, but…

Minnesota vs Wisconsin: Who Will Win?

When it came to third downs, who did Wisconsin do well? North Dakota, Western Michigan, South Dakota, and Purdue.

All wins, and that is not even right—those four times were the only ones the offense moved. Early on, it was hard to beat the Broncos and the Coyotes.

The Badgers are 5-1 when they run for 171 yards or more and 0-6 when they don’t.

Iowa and USC. Only those two teams can beat Minnesota by more than 155 points.