Wisconsin at Northwestern: 11/21/20 College Football Picks and Prediction
Photo by Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Northwestern Wildcats (4-0) vs Wisconsin Badgers (2-0)
Game Info: Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 3:30 pm (Ryan Field)
Betting Odds: Northwestern Wildcats +6.5 -- Over/Under: 45.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The 13th ranked Wisconsin Badgers will travel to Ryan Field to take on the 23rd ranked Northwestern Wildcats this Saturday afternoon in College Football action.
The 13th ranked Wisconsin Badgers improved to 2-0 (2-0 Big 10) after defeating the Michigan Wolverines, 49-11, this past Saturday. Wisconsin had no trouble putting up points on the road against the Wolverines and easily cruised to victory after going into halftime with a 28-0 lead. Wisconsin outgained Michigan by a 468-219 margin and won the turnover battle by a 2-0 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Badgers was the RB duo of Jalen Berger & Nakia Watson who combined for 152 yards & 3 TD’s on 27 carries.
On the season, Wisconsin is averaging 47.0 ppg on 449.0 total yards per game (187.5 passing yds/g; 261.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Wisconsin has been led by QB Graham Mertz who has completed 74.4% of his passes for 375 yards & 7 TD. The top receiving threats for Mertz and the Badgers have been Jake Ferguson (11 rec, 123 yards, 4 TD), Danny Davis III (3 rec, 78 yards, TD), and Kendric Payor (5 rec, 71 yards). Leading the way for the Badgers back field has been Nakia Watson (31 att, 127 yards, 2 TD), Jalen Berger (15 att, 87 yards, TD), John Chenal (7 att, 73 yards, TD), and Garrett Groshek (13 att, 70 yards).
Defensively, Wisconsin is holding their opponents to an average of 9.0 ppg on 218.5 total yards per game (129.5 passing yds/g; 89.0 rushing yds/g).
The 23rd ranked Northwestern Wildcats improved to 4-0 (4-0 Big Ten) on the season after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers, 27-20, this past Saturday. Northwestern was outgained defensively against the Purdue offensive attack and was able to pull away after a 42-yard FG by Charlie Kuhbander gave the Wildcats a 27-13 lead early in the 4th quarter. Northwestern outgained Purdue by a 292-265 margin and forced one turnover in the victory. Leading the way for the Wildcats was WR Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman who had 8 receptions for 86 yards & 3 TD’s.
On the season, Northwestern is averaging 28.0 ppg on 354.8 total yards per game (180.8 passing yds/g; 174.0 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Northwestern has been led by the RB duo of Drake Anderson (43 att, 198 yards, 2 TD) and Isaiah Bowser (61 att, 182 yards, TD). QB Peyton Ramsey has completed 65.8% of his passes for 723 yards, 6 TD, and 4 INT. Ramsey has also been a threat with his legs as he has 122 rushing yards & 1 TD on 34 carries. The top receivers for the Wildcats have been Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman (19 rec, 198 yards, 3 TD), Kyric McGowan (15 rec, 133 yards), and John Raine (11 rec, 112 yards, TD).
Defensively, Northwestern is holding their opponents to an average of 14.0 ppg on 301.8 total yards per game (210.0 passing yds/g; 91.8 rushing yds/g).
The Badgers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 conference games and 17-7 ATS in their last 24 road games. The Wildcats are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall, however, are just 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 home games.
Northwestern has had a great start to their season, especially defensively, however, this is a tough matchup for the Wildcats as I jus don’t see Northwestern having success offensively agianst the Wisconsin defense that has looked lights out in their first two games. Wisconsin had some question marks on the offensive end coming into the season, however, as QB Graham Mertz has looked great to start of his college career and that Wisconsin continues to have one of the better rushing attacks in the country, I think the Badgers do enough in this one to cover this road spread. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Wisconsin Badgers -6.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
