Big Ten Predictions: Week 8 picks against the spread

Oct 3, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver

(8) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver

(86) against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium. Illinois beat Nebraska 14 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports

• Date: Saturday, October 24, 2015
• Time: 3:30 PM Eastern
• Location: Champaign, IL
• TV Channel: Big Ten Network
• Spread: Wisconsin -6.5
• Over/Under Total: 44.5

This game is an interesting battle of two teams with just two losses. Both are surprising, but for different reasons. Wisconsin had a tough opening test against Alabama, but most would have expected the Badgers to only have one loss by this point. Illinois, by contrast, fired its coach before the start of the season and wasn’t expected to make any waves in the conference.

Wisconsin has won two-in-row after losing to Iowa and will look to continue the momentum on the road this week.

The Badgers haven’t been great on offense this year, as veteran quarterback Joel Stave has been inconsistent. He’s thrown for over 1,700 yards and eight touchdowns, but also five interceptions. he threw for 322 yards last week against Purdue, but also had an interception.

When Stave has struggled, it’s been the running game that’s put up production for the offense.

The heart of Wisconsin is its defense. The Badgers are ranked seventh in total defense and have allowed seven points or less in three game this year.

Illinois wasn’t supposed to be two games away from bowl eligibility at this point, but the Illini have used a solid defense and an offense that does just enough to win.

Quarterback Wes Lunt has found a productive connection with wide receiver Geronimo Allison. The pair has hooked up for three touchdowns and 601 yards. The running back combination of Josh Ferguson and Ke’Shawn Vaughn has been tough to stop. The pair has compared for nearly 800 yards.

The Illini are coming off a bye week after playing Iowa tough the last time out.

Wisconsin is the better team on paper in this one and should prevail on the field. The Badgers have too much talent. The home crowd will help Illinois, especially early. Except some big passes from Lunt to keep Illinois in the game late.

When it’s all said and done, Wisconsin will be too much, but the Badgers will have a tough time covering the upset-minded Illini. Take the points with Illinois.

Next: Ohio State at Rutgers