Big Ten Predictions: Picks against the spread for Week 7
Oct 10, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Alec Ingold (45) celebrates after scoring against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin defeated Nebraska 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2015
- Time: 12:00 PM Eastern
- Location: Madison, WI
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network
- Spread: Wisconsin -23.5
- Over/Under Total: 48.5
The Wisconsin Badgers enter this week’s game as huge favorites over the struggling Purdue Boilermakers. Wisconsin had high expectations coming into this season despite having to replace star running back Melvin Gordon.
Although the Badgers are 4-2, they were outperformed in their two biggest games of the season in losses to Alabama and Iowa. With hopes of playing in the Big Ten Championship likely gone, Wisconsin will turn its attention to landing in a quality bowl game.
Veteran quarterback Joel Stave has really struggled this year, but he’s coming off his best performance in last week’s 23-21 victory over Nebraska. Alex Erickson has been the best receiver and is coming off a seven-catch, 113-yard performance.
As always, Wisconsin has a strong running game. This year it’s led by Dare Ogunbowale and Taiwan Deal with starter Corey Clement out after undergoing sports hernia surgery. The Badgers have shown an ability to put up a large amount of points against bad teams this year, and that should be the case in this one.
Purdue has been a constant in the Big Ten basement over the last several years, and this season is no different. The Boilermakers have been unable to stop anyone on defense and are in the middle of a four-game losing streak.
Despite losing by just three points to Michigan State two weeks ago, Purdue was blown out at home by Minnesota last week. Large point spreads are always scary, but Purdue is just so bad, and Wisconsin is tough at home. I like Wisconsin to run away with this one and cover the spread.
Next: Michigan State at Michigan