Wisconsin Football: 3 bold predictions for 2020 opener vs. Illinois

1. Wisconsin covers, wins by three touchdowns

The line heading into this one varies, but the average is around 19 or 19.5 and that might seem steep considering the Badgers are down their normal starting quarterback and they lost to Illinois last season, but I’m going out on a limb with this prediction: Wisconsin will cover the spread and win by at least three scores.

Paul Chryst and Co. have not forgotten about last season’s heartbreaking loss in Champaign which may have costed them a playoff berth. No, Wisconsin wasn’t in the race at the end of the year, but if it never lost to Illinois, everything may have been different.

Revenge games are always interesting and I think Wisconsin is going to take this one very personally after having its 2019 season ruined by a field goal.

Wisconsin’s defense is going to smother the Illini from start to finish, making life miserable for Brandon Peters and that offense.

Expect a 38-17 win from the Badgers on Friday to kick off Big Ten play.