The Wisconsin Badgers face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET on ABC.
Alabama is favored by -20.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -1400. The total is set at 46.5 points.
Here’s my Wisconsin vs. Alabama prediction and college football picks for Saturday, September 13.
Wisconsin vs Alabama Prediction
- Wisconsin vs. Alabama Pick: Alabama -20.5
My Alabama vs. Wisconsin best bet is on the Crimson Tide to cover the spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Wisconsin vs Alabama Odds
| Wisconsin Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+20.5 -105 | 46.5 -110o / -110u | +800 |
| Alabama Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-20.5 -115 | 46.5 -110o / -110u | -1400 |
- Wisconsin vs Alabama point spread: Alabama -20.5 (-115), Wisconsin +20.5 (-105)
- Wisconsin vs Alabama over/under: 46.5 (-110o / -110u)
- Wisconsin vs Alabama moneyline: Wisconsin +800, Alabama -1400
Wisconsin vs Alabama Preview
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview: QB Injury and Aggressive Defense
Just like last year, Wisconsin is 2-0 heading into Alabama week.
Also, just like last year, it is already dealing with an injury at quarterback.
Maryland transfer Billy Edwards left the Miami (OH) game with a knee injury and did not play last week.
However, sophomore Danny O'Neil was ready when his number was called. Against Middle Tennessee, he went 23-for-27 passing for 283 yards and three touchdowns.
Head coach Luke Fickell did not sound pessimistic about Edwards' chances of playing this week, so it will likely be O'Neil again. O'Neil does have an interception in each of the first two games, so protecting the ball in a hostile environment will be pivotal.
It will also help if the Badgers can protect him by running the football, a typical staple of a smashmouth Wisconsin offense. However, the Badgers are averaging just 4.3 yards per carry across their first two games. They have hit some explosives with Vinny Anthony (14 yards) and Trech Kekahuna (61 yards) scoring on reverses, but it will need more from its traditional run game.
Defensively, Wisconsin has been dominant thus far, only surrendering 10 points and 358 total yards through the first two games. That includes a shutout of Miami (OH).
However, it will be looking to atone for last year's performance against Alabama, when it allowed 42 points on 407 yards.
Safety Preston Zachman has already matched his career high with two interceptions in Week 1. Redshirt freshman Omillio Agard had his first career interception last week. The Badgers have also had eight sacks by nine different players.
It will be intriguing to see how aggressively they send pressure at the Crimson Tide.
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Preview: Figuring Out Their Offense
Kalen DeBoer has not endeared himself to many in Tuscaloosa after following arguably the greatest college football coach of all time in Nick Saban.
Alabama missed the CFP last year and began Year 2 with a 14-point loss to Florida State as a two-touchdown favorite.
However, it did bounce back with a 73-0 thumping of Louisiana-Monroe last week.
In his second start, quarterback Ty Simpson was perfect, completing 17 of 17 passes for 226 yards and three touchdown passes. Highly touted backups Austin Mack and Keelon Russell each tossed two touchdown passes off the bench.
There is still a competition going on, so don't be surprised to see multiple quarterbacks again this week.
One thing that I will be keeping an eye on is the status and usage of sophomore sensation Ryan Williams. Against Florida State, Williams had five catches for 30 yards, but he left the game multiple times and suffered a concussion in last week's game. He also played on the outside 80% of the time last season, but was used in the slot 90% of the time against the Seminoles.
Veteran Germie Bernard has taken advantage of increased opportunities this season with 11 receptions for 213 yards and two touchdowns. Miami transfer Isaiah Horton caught his first touchdown with the Crimson Tide last week as well.
Alabama is still figuring out its pecking order in the backfield, but Kevin Riley may be emerging as the lead back in Jam Miller's absence. The freshman is averaging 6.3 yards per carry through the first two games and saw noticeable usage in the passing game with six receptions for 45 yards last week.
Defensively, Alabama dominated last week, holding ULM to 148 yards and forcing three turnovers. While that was not a surprise considering the opponent, I will be interested in their physicality this week.
While Wisconsin may not have a Jonathan Taylor or Melvin Gordon in the backfield this season, Wisconsin's offensive line has always been known for its physicality. Although Florida State did catch Alabama with a few misdirection plays, it was jarring to see an Alabama team pushed around in the trenches.
Wisconsin vs Alabama Pick, Betting Analysis
While it remains to be seen if Alabama is the national title contender that many expected it to be this season, I do like the Crimson Tide to roll this week.
Alabama is 6-2 against the spread in eight home games under DeBoer. It covered as a double-digit favorite in five of those games.
It will need to win three touchdowns to cover this week, but I have my doubts about Wisconsin's ability to score enough to hang on.
Wisconsin only mustered one offensive touchdown against Miami (OH) and started slow before pulling away against Middle Tennessee State.
Wisconsin has failed to score 20 points in four of its past five games against Power Four opponents, and it is 1-4 ATS in that span.
Pick: Alabama -20.5 (Play to -23.5)
