The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will travel to Madison, Wisconsin to square off with the Wisconsin Badgers in a Big Ten vs. Conference USA meeting set to take place at Camp Randall Stadium on Friday, August 31st at 9:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN for national audiences. WKU and Wiscy last met in 2001 where the Badgers defeated the Hilltoppers 24-6.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Wisconsin Badgers Overview
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
The Hilltoppers finished the season on a low note, losing five of their last six contests to finish 6-7 on the year. WKU culminated its 2017-18 campaign with a loss in the Cure Bowl to Georgia State by a margin of 27-17. Despite being known for a porous defense, WKU managed to limit a premium talent in G-State wide-out Penny Hart who had just one grab for 27 yards.
Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers were just a game away from qualifying for the College Football Playoff when it saw its undefeated mark come crashing to a halt in the B1G Championship against Ohio State. As a result, Wisconsin had to settle for the Orange Bowl, but they absolutely obliterated Miami to take out its frustration. The Badgers return their typically physical defense complemented by a robust rushing attack anchored by one of the best in the business in running back Jonathan Taylor.
Reasons To Back Western Kentucky
As would be expected with a match-up of a B1G power against a mid-level mid-major outfit like this, the public has already hopped aboard the Badgers and moved this market up by two points to its current station. 81% of the public cash resides with Bucky at this point. The fact remains Western Kentucky will be prone to inflated point spreads and could have plenty of potential to come in under this number whether it be by their offensive exploits or through the back door. Plus lest us also forget that this contest will be televised on national television and gives WKU an opportunity to shine for America; thus the motivation levels will be at their highest.
Reasons To Avoid Wisconsin
Contrarily, Wisconsin may treat this game as nothing more than a glorified scrimmage. Once the game is under control, it would not be unforeseen for the Badgers to pull most of their starters in the second half which could also allow WKU to come through the back door. Furthermore, Wisconsin is typically a ball control and possession football team. Expecting them to cover a five-touchdown line could be out of their scope of practice as their offense is not usually that volcanic.
Get more details: Western Kentucky at Wisconsin NCAAF Match-Up
