The litmus test for the Wisconsin Badgers has finally arrived, taking on the No. 19 Alabama Crimson Tide. The Badgers lost last season 42-10 in an absolute drubbing by Bama. Now they face off again, and signs all point to the fact that Wisconsin is a better team. Head coach Luke Fickell says they are better at every position group. Today, we find out.
It doesn't need to be a win for Wisconsin (it does for Alabama), but it needs to be a battle. Wisconsin needs to look like a team that took a giant step forward this offseason. A win would be incredible, but the Badgers don't have that pressure. They can play loose and fly around.
Wisconsin will assuredly be without starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., and Danny O'Neil has been getting all the first-team reps for two weeks now. He should be ready to go, and he looked great against Middle Tennessee. Jake Renfro is a game-time decision; look for that to come closer to kickoff.
Final Odds for Wisconsin vs. Alabama: 20.5 Crimson Tide
Alabama is officially a 20.5 favorite as of early morning on Saturday. That line has moved a ton all week. It started as 18.5 but slowly slid to 21.5 before dropping back to 20.5. It did have a moment on this number earlier in the week, and it finishes there.
The over/under is at 45.5, which means that Vegas is predicting this game to finish somewhere around 33–13 Alabama, which is technically the over, as that is 46 points.
Final score prediction: Alabama 30 Wisconsin 20
Related: Former Alabama QB silences talk of a blowout over Wisconsin in Week 3
I actually think Wisconsin covers here and makes it closer than many Crimson Tide fans will like. In the end, it wouldn't be surprising to see Alabama score three touchdowns and three field goals. Wisconsin, on the other hand, could grab a couple of touchdowns with two field goals.
A Badger upset would be amazing, but since Florida State already woke up the Crimson Tide, it's going to be harder to do as Alabama is one of the most talented teams in the country on paper.