Western Michigan vs Wisconsin Betting Pick & Preview – 8/30/2024

The Western Michigan Broncos will play against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on August 30, 2024, at 9:00 pm ET. With opening odds making the Broncos 24.5 point underdogs, early bets show Western Michigan receiving 86% of the spread bets, while the Badgers have 14%. The total of 56.5 has led to 66% of bets on the under and 34% on the over. While Wisconsin is a heavy favorite going into this contest, this game features the potential for some explosive play on both sides.

Western Michigan Hopes Ground Game Can Bother Wisconsin

Last season, Western Michigan finished 4-8 overall and 3-5 in the MAC, ending up tied for last place in the MAC West division. But they did have a 1,000 yard rusher in Jalen Buckley last season, who they hope will have another big year in 2024. While it will be no easy task to get their run game going on the road against Wisconsin, that could be Western Michigan's only chance to control the ball and have a shot at an upset in Week 1.

Senior quarterback Hayden Wolff will also need to play well if Western Michigan is going to have any chance in this non-conference matchup with Wisconsin. Wolff is coming off of a foot injury and was sidelined from late November through the end of the season for the Broncos in 2023. But he had just eight touchdown passes in the seven games where he saw significant action last season and he will need to be more dangerous if the Broncos want any shot here.

Van Dyke Hopes For Strong Start As Wisconsin QB

Last season was a strange one for the Wisconsin Badgers as they attempted to modernize their offense to feature more passing, but bailed on those plans midway through the year. This season, they figure to try and get their passing game going once again with Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke as their quarterback. Van Dyke had a productive period in Miami (Florida, not Ohio) before injuries derailed him there. Now he will look to get his career back on track with the Badgers, who will hope to impress in their season debut.

Of course, Wisconsin should still have a physical advantage over Western Michigan in this contest, which should mean an ability to run the ball without too much trouble. If things go poorly for Van Dyke early on, keep an eye on the play calling for the Badgers as it could shift back to its familiar state of bludgeoning opponents with the run game.

Western Michigan vs Wisconsin Best Bet

Our best bet for Western Michigan vs Wisconsin is for the game to go over the total of 56.5 points on Friday night. While Wisconsin's core identity is to run the football, they are going to be aggressive with Van Dyke as their new quarterback. Combine that with some pretty brisk pace of play for both of these teams and we should see a good amount of scoring even if the final score isn't all that close in the end.

For more on today's game check out the comprehensive statistics, betting odds, and trends below. Be sure to check out all our free NCAAFB picks here.