Vegas Big Ten Predictions Week 12: Wisconsin-Nebraska and More

Nov 8, 2014; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

No. 16 Nebraska Cornhuskers at No. 20 Wisconsin Badgers

Big Ten Game of the Week

Line: Wisconsin by 6.5

Saturday Blitz Vegas Big Ten Prediction: Wisconsin Wins 31-24

This was a very hard pick for us because we love Ameer Abdullah and would really like to see a collision course between Nebraska and Ohio State for the Big Ten championship similar to one in the Pac-12 between Oregon and Arizona State. So for entertainment down the stretch, a Nebraska win here would have been more fun.

But it’s just not in the cards for Bo Pelini’s squad.

Abdullah is going to play but is obviously banged up, and while Nebraska had better quarterback play earlier in the season with Tommy Armstrong, Jr., Joel Stave and Tanner McEvoy, whomever is starting at quarterback, have developed as passers to give the Badgers a more balanced offense. And while the Cornhuskers have Abdullah, the Badgers have Melvin Gordon, a superstar in his own right, and Cory Clement as a backup. Oh, and they have a dominant offensive line and a good defense.

And they’re playing at home.

There are just too many factors for us to suggest that the Cornhuskers have a chance in this game. Wisconsin has thoroughly dominated each of its last three opponents, and the same thing is going to happen again Saturday. It’ll just be a little bit closer.

Next: Penn State-Temple Prediction