Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines for Wisconsin vs Northwestern

Now, both Wisconsin and Northwestern look like they could be in the Big Ten race.

No, neither will be in the running for the title, even though the Badgers are 2-1 in conference play. However, they both played really well last week.

In fact, Wisconsin has played great in its last two games. It beat Purdue 52–6 and then dominated Rutgers 42–7. Before Minnesota, Penn State has to play at Iowa, Oregon, and Nebraska. If they win here, though, the rest of the season will be interesting.

Northwestern lost to Indiana badly and to Washington without being able to do anything. But in a 37-10 win at Maryland last week, it was completely dominating.

It has to go on the road for three of its next four games, against Iowa, Purdue, and Michigan. The game at home against Ohio State is a nice break.

Wisconsin vs Northwestern Preview

Wisconsin vs Northwestern How to Watch
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
Venue: Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium, Evanston, IL
How to Watch: Big Ten Network
Northwestern (3-3), Wisconsin (4-2)

Why Wisconsin Will Win

That is the Wisconsin we all wanted.

The team lost quarterback Tyler Van Dyke to Alabama and does not have star running back Chez Mellusi. However, Tawee Walker has become a great back, Braedyn Locke has been good enough at quarterback, and the offense is running well.

It is true that Alabama and USC are tougher opponents than Purdue and Rutgers, but the offense put up over 1,300 yards in the last two games as everything started to click.

Northwestern’s third down attack is one of the worst in the Big Ten because their passing game is one of the worst in the league. But…

Why Northwestern Will Win

Will the Wildcats be able to do it again?

Even though they do not have a very good offense, they have not turned the ball over in three of the last four games and had a +4 turnover edge against Maryland.

Wisconsin has lost the ball twice in each of the last four games, which is a very high rate. Locke has been effective the past two weeks, but against Alabama and USC, he only completed half of his passes.

Two strong teams, Washington and Indiana, both threw for 73% of the time against Northwestern, but Maryland could not get its offense going. Northwestern is 3-0 this year when the other team misses 60% of its throws.

Wisconsin vs Northwestern: Who Will Win

In the past, when Wisconsin was really good and Northwestern beat them, it was because the Badgers made too many mistakes. When UW turns the ball over, Northwestern does not make any. That is not happening here.

Even though Wisconsin has had a good last two weeks, it is still not that good. However, it will keep the progress going.