Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin prediction, pick, odds for Fri. 8/30

Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin Prediction

• Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin Pick: Wisconsin -23.5
  • Click here to bet the Badgers to cover the spread instantly at FanDuel with QuickSlip — the bet is added directly to your bet slip at FanDuel automatically!

My Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin best bet is on the Badgers spread with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.

Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin Odds

Friday, Aug. 30

9 p.m. ET

FS1

Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute NCAAF odds here.

• Western Michigan vs Wisconsin Point Spread: Western Michigan +23.5 (-110) · Wisconsin -23.5 (-110)
• Western Michigan vs Wisconsin Total: Over/Under 56.5
• Western Michigan vs Wisconsin Moneyline: Western Michigan +1100 · Wisconsin -2500

Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin Preview

Western Michigan Broncos Betting Preview: Sleeper Squad?

Continuity reigns supreme for a Western Michigan team that's a potential sleeper in the MAC.

The Broncos rank top-15 nationally in returning production, led by the focal point of their offense, running back Jalen Buckley, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in his freshman season. His more than 17 rush attempts per game were the second-most in the MAC.

Hayden Wolff returns as the quarterback for Western Michigan after splitting reps with two other players in 2023. Wolff, who threw eight touchdown passes in eight total games last year, has three of his top four receivers returning, as well as the addition of NC State tight end Chris Toudle.

The defense similarly brings back ample experience from last season, but the question remains whether or not that's a good thing. This is a Broncos team that surrendered 41 points to Iowa.

Of note, the Broncos' defense actually added a trio of Power Four transfers, something atypical for a Group of Five team, so defensive coordinator Scott Power will hope the new additions are an upgrade along the line.

Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview: New Era?

The Fickell era didn't get off to the type of start that Badgers fans had hoped for, but the addition of quarterback Tyler Van Dyke from the transfer portal portends a more successful season on the offensive front.

The former University of Miami passer threw 54 touchdowns to 23 interceptions in his three seasons as a starter at the U and should be an upgrade over Tanner Mordecai, who only threw nine touchdown passes in 2023.

This will also be the second season for Phil Longo’s pseudo-Air Raid offense that abandons the traditional Wisconsin ground-and-pound attack with a behemoth offensive line and instead relies more on tempo and RPO plays.

The Badgers' offense must adjust to life without a stud running back, as Braelon Allen leaves big shoes to fill following his NFL departure. The good news is that three offensive linemen return to a unit that ranked top-10 in Havoc Allowed.

On defense, the biggest weakness for Wisconsin will be its defensive line. Starter James Thompson Jr. is out indefinitely with an injury, a major hit to a group that's already without much returning starting experience.

The Badgers' secondary, however, should be an area of strength, with multiple third-team All-Big Ten honorees returning in safety Hunter Wohler and corner Ricardo Hallman.

Western Michigan vs Wisconsin Pick & Prediction

The Longo offense had a less-than-ceremonious start to his tenure in Madison, but the addition of Van Dyke could prove to be the missing ingredient. The Badgers lost Allen, but they still have plenty of experience to turn to in the running back room.

The Broncos' defense was abysmal last year, particularly against Power Five competition. Western Michigan allowed more than 40 points to Syracuse, Iowa and Mississippi State. While it did make some transfer portal additions, the gap between its defense and a Big Ten offense will still be sizable.

There’s no threat of a look-ahead spot for Wisconsin with a game against South Dakota on deck, so I expect the Badgers to try and flesh out their offense and go full steam ahead before a Week 3 date with Alabama.

Swallow the points and back Wisconsin to roll.

Pick: Wisconsin -23.5

How to Watch Western Michigan vs Wisconsin Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location

Western Michigan vs Wisconsin Betting Trends

• 54% of the bets are on Western Michigan on the spread while 51% of the money is on the same bet.

About the Author

Thomas Schlarp is a contributor at the Action Network who specializes in betting on college football. He was previously an associate editor on the content team, and started working in the sports media industry in 2020.

Follow Thomas Schlarp @tschlarp on Twitter/X.