The Georgia Southern Eagles will play the Wisconsin Badgers in a non-conference game on Saturday afternoon at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Georgia Southern comes into this game with a 2-0 record, while Wisconsin is coming off of a tough road game at Washington State.
Georgia Southern Preview
The Georgia Southern Eagles are 2-0 this season after they defeated UAB by a score of 49-35 in their last game. Georgia Southern played a very back and forth game in the first half and only led by a score of 28-22 at the half, but they pulled away in the second half. The Eagles put up 462 yards of total offense, but allowed UAB to gain 477 yards. Georgia Southern defeated The Citadel in their first game of the season by a score of 34-0. The Eagles are averaging 41.5 points per game with 308.5 passing yards per game and 159 rushing yards per game. Georgia Southern has allowed 17.5 points against per game and they are converting third downs at 60% so far this season. Davis Brin has thrown for 562 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions for the Eagles this year. Jalen White has rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns, while Derwin Burgess Jr. has caught 14 passes for 151 yards and two scores. Georgia Southern has scored plenty of points in their first two games, but how will they old up defensively against this Wisconsin run game?
Wisconsin Preview
The Wisconsin Badgers are 1-1 this season after they lost to Washington State by a score of 31-22 in their last game. Wisconsin trailed by a score of 24-9 at the half, but they did scored 13 points in the third quarter to cut the lead to 24-22. The Badgers wouldn’t score again and Washington State added on a late touchdown to pull away. Wisconsin did out gain Washington State, but they were only able to rush for 90 yards and turned the ball over three times. The Badgers defeated Buffalo by a score of 38-17 in their first game. Wisconsin is averaging 30 points per game with 233.5 passing yards per game and 202 rushing yards per game, while going 38.5% on third down attempts. Tanner Mordecai has thrown for 467 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions for Wisconsin this year. Chez Mellusi has rushed for 206 yards and three scores, while Will Pauling has caught 10 passes for 133 yards. The Wisconsin defense has allowed 24 points against per game. Wisconsin couldn’t run the ball against Washington State and the turnovers killed them, but they should have a big day on offense in this game.
Wisconsin Badgers Team Facts
- Wisconsin has won 32 of its last 37 games against non-AP-ranked teams at Camp Randall Stadium.
- Wisconsin has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games.
- Wisconsin has won the first half in 11 of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents at Camp Randall Stadium.
- Five of Wisconsin's last six games as a home favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
Georgia Southern Eagles Team Facts
- Georgia Southern has won five of its last six games in September.
- Georgia Southern has covered the spread in six of its last seven games in September.
- Four of Georgia Southern's last five games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Wisconsin ranked T16th among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (3.8).
- Wisconsin ranked T33rd among FBS teams for H1 win percentage last season (.615).
- Georgia Southern ranked 15th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game last season (9.1).
- Georgia Southern was one of only 27 FBS teams to lose 2+ games when leading after Q3 last season.
Pick
Wisconsin will look to bounce back in this game and they will play a Georgia Southern defense that just allowed a ton of points to UAB. I think the Badgers rushing attack will get back on track here, but I also think Georgia Southern will be able to score some points. The Wisconsin defense hasn’t looked great, which is definitely a concern. Take the over in this matchup.
AUTHOR: David Racey
