Minnesota vs Wisconsin Prediction, Preview, Betting Lines: Badgers’ Bowl Hopes on the Line

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Nov 25, 2024 9:23 PM ET

Wisconsin isn't supposed to be sweating out bowl eligibility.

The schedule has been nasty, and no one thought it would be easy, but the team hasn’t even been close against the good to amazing teams.

Yeah, the final scores against Penn State and Oregon weren’t bad, but … no. The Badgers didn’t even show the slightest glimmer of hope that it would pull out either one.

Now, after not getting off the bus against a mediocre Nebraska last week, it’s win or go without a bowl game for the first time since 2001.

Minnesota secured bowl eligibility a few weeks ago against Illinois, but struggled in a loss to Rutgers and gave Penn State a run in a 26-25 loss. Now it can not only end the rival’s season, it can take 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)
CFN Bluesky | CFN X | CFN FB
- Week 14 Schedule, Predictions

Why Minnesota Will Win

Wisconsin’s pass defense’s season ended in mid-October.

It’s not that the Badgers are getting burned. It’s that they’re getting killed by 1,000 cuts with quarterbacks hitting close to 75% of their passes - most of them midrange - over the last four games.

Minnesota doesn’t have a high-powered passing game, but when Max Brosmer connects on 70% of his throws the team is 4-0. But …

Why Wisconsin Will Win

Just keep … the chains … moving.

The problem is that the Badgers aren’t doing anything on third downs. The last time the offense hit the 40% mark on third was six games ago in the blowout over Rutgers.

Minnesota’s defense was fantastic on third downs last week against Penn State, but on the year it’s allowing teams to convert 41% of their changes with eight of the 11 getting to 40% or more.

Wisconsin needs to put itself in chances to succeed - that means getting more with the ground game, but …

Minnesota vs Wisconsin: Who Will Win?

Who did Wisconsin do well against on third downs? Rutgers, Purdue, Western Michigan, and South Dakota.

All wins, and those were the only four times the offense moved - and that’s not even right. There were problems against the Broncos and Coyotes early.

The Badgers are 5-0 when running for 171 yards or more, 0-6 when they don’t.

Iowa, USC. Those are the only two teams able to rumble on Minnesota for over 155.