Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Wisconsin Badgers meet up on Soldier Field on Saturday for one of the best college football games of the season. Notre Dame is looking to stay in the College Football Playoff race, while Wisconsin can’t afford another loss.

Notre Dame has been tested in all three games so far this season, but they have also been able to survive in each matchup. The Fighting Irish are up to number 12 in the latest AP poll, but they still need a signature win.

Wisconsin is still a favorite to win the Big Ten Conference this season despite taking a loss to Penn State in the season opener. The Badgers remain in the Top 25, and a win over Notre Dame on Saturday could get them back in the CFP conversation.

The Wisconsin Badgers are 5.5-point favorites over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday.

Notre Dame Needs More Rushing

Notre Dame is averaging over 33 points per game this season, but they are still a team that needs to improve on that side of the ball. The Fighting Irish are averaging just 105 rushing yards per game, and they are facing a Wisconsin team that has a solid defensive line.

Running back, Kyren Williams was a star a season ago, but he has just 211 yards and two touchdowns this season. The Fighting Irish have to find a way to establish the run early if they are going to find some gaps in the Wisconsin secondary.

Quarterback Jack Coan began his career at Wisconsin, and there will be some extra motivation to play well on Saturday. Coan has thrown for 828 yards and eight touchdowns this season, and he is good enough to take over.

Wisconsin Can Defend

Wisconsin is not going to take over games with its offense in most matchups, but the Badgers have a defense that can do just that. The Badgers are giving up just 11.5 points per game, and the run defense has completely shut down opponents.

Graham Mertz has thrown a pair of interceptions through two games, and he will need to do a better job of taking care of the ball. Mertz has plenty of talent, but he needs to find a way to make big plays for his team.

The Badgers are going to run the football early and often in this game, and that attack has the ability to wear down the Notre Dame defense.

Fighting Irish Stay Undefeated

Don’t expect a ton of separation between the Fighting Irish and Badgers on Saturday, as these are two very evenly matched teams. Both teams have some talented players on the offensive side of the ball but don’t expect a ton of points in this one.

Wisconsin already has a loss on their resume this season, and they haven’t really been tested since the season opener. Notre Dame has already played in three tough games, and that will give them a slight edge in this one.

The Badgers can’t afford to take another loss on the year, but they won’t be able to prevent it from happening. Forget about just taking the points in this game and bet on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to win this game outright over the Wisconsin Badgers.

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