Wisconsin Football: Season-opener at South Florida is no cakewalk

Wisconsin football will be tested early on in the season by a talented USF Bulls team. Can Paul Chryst get his team ready to win on the road?

The USF Bulls got off to a great start in 2018, winning their first seven games of the season. However, after a big loss to the Houston Cougars, the Bulls fell apart and lost the next five games. This losing streak was capped off by an embarrassing, 20-38 loss, in the Gasparilla Bowl against Marshall.

Although last year wasn’t great for USF, Charlie Strong is still the head coach. And in his first season, the year before last, Strong took the Bulls to a 10-2 record. The Bulls were limited in the second half of the 2018 season due to their offensive deficiencies. Since the end of the year, Strong added Kerwin Bell to the offensive coaching staff. This may provide a big boost to the Bulls’ offense, which has been extremely explosive in recent years.

However, the Wisconsin Badgers have a pretty good coach of their own. Paul Chryst consistently prepares his team to compete with the best of the Big Ten. Additionally, the Badgers have the top Heisman Trophy contender in their back field, Jonathan Taylor.

Here’s how you can watch Friday’s game between Wisconsin and South Florida:

Date: Friday, Aug. 30
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Tampa, Fla.
Venue: Raymond James Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN | FuboTV

Keys to Victory

The keys to victory for Wisconsin are incredibly simple. Jonathan Taylor needs to be handed the ball at least 20 times. The USF defense is not particularly geared toward stopping the kind of rushing attack and offensive line that will be starting for this Big Ten powerhouse. Furthermore, the Badgers cannot turnover the ball more than once. One turnover should not impact the game. A second turnover, however, can put Wisconsin in danger.

The Bulls, on the other hand, need to capitalize on any and all turnovers committed by the Badgers. Fumbles or interceptions need to translate directly into points on the scoreboard. Additionally, if USF can score or make a big gain, utilizing their extreme speed and athleticism, off of a special teams play, the Bulls will have a chance. Just a chance.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Bovada

Line: Wisconsin -13
Over/Under: 57

Prediction

I’m not here to tell you how to bet, but I do believe this game will be closer than 13 points. With the game being played in Tampa, where it will be extremely hot and humid, the Badgers will be out of their comfort zone. Additionally, Strong is a coach who is more than capable at upsetting a top Big Ten team. With that said, Wisconsin’s raw ability will be too overwhelming for the Bulls.

Final Score:  Wisconsin 33, USF 27