Best Bets: Wisconsin Football vs. Illinois Fighting Illini

The Wisconsin football progrum suffered one of the most depressing losses in recent memory(which is saying something), falling to Iowa 15-6 last Saturday. There were zero positives to take away from the game. Like every other Badgers fan I’ve been on my sad boy shit all week.

Thankfully I went 5-1 on my picks last week and brought some joy to the entire Wisconsin football community. Don’t look now, but my gambling brain is starting to put everything together.

Before we get into picks for this week let’s look at last week’s winning card.

Wisconsin Football Week Six Gambling Results

Oct 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Kyler Fisher (37) and defensive back Sebastian Castro (29) force a fumble by Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY Sports

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Loser:  

Georgia Southern vs. James Madison Game Total over 58.5 (-110) –  James Madison did their part in this one, scoring 41 points. However, Georgia Southern couldn’t move the ball for a majority of the game and were held to only 13 points. 

There was a moment in the 4th quarter when I thought this might hit, but Georgia Southern QB Davis Brin(fuck that guy) had different ideas. Brin threw an interception with six minutes left on JMU’s 25-yard line, killing any hope we had. 

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Winners: 

Iowa +10 vs. Wisconsin Football (-110) – I knew this would be a close and low-scoring game, so +10 for the Hawkeyes was a no-brainer. 

The way it happened was so sad though. 

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Iowa Game Total Under 36.5 (-110) –  The weather ended up being better than expected, but it wouldn’t have mattered either way. This game was always going to hit the under. 

Aside from their first drive Wisconsin football had trouble moving the ball the entire game. Iowa’s offense didn’t fair much better but capitalized on a big play and a masterful performance from punter Tory Taylor. 

Tanner Mordecai breaking his hand didn’t help, but Iowa’s defense and special teams were too much for the Badgers no matter who was on the field. 

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Iowa 1st Half Under 16.5 (+105) – I said in last week’s article I hated the board for this game. So I had no choice but to double down on one of the bets I liked. 

There were two turnovers on downs, 12 punts, and one 82-yard touchdown in the first half. Safe to say I wasn’t sweating this one bit during the game. 

Wyoming +10.5 vs. Air Force (-110) – Air Force proved to be no fluke, winning this one 34-27 to remain undefeated. Wyoming showed their solid season wasn’t by mistake either, covering the +10.5. 

The Cowboys had a shot to win the game, with the score tied at 27 in the fourth quarter. That changed around the two-minute mark when John Lee Eldridge III ran 58 yards for an Air Force TD to put them up 7. 

North Carolina -3.5 vs. Miami (-105) – UNC was down 14-17 at the half, then scored 21 unanswered in the third quarter and didn’t look back from there. Eventually winning the contest 41-31. 

Miami did score a late touchdown to make it a 10-point game and get my nerves going. But they followed that up by throwing an interception on their last possession. 

Season Record: 21-23-0 – 10-3 in the past two weeks. I’m on an absolute HEATER right now. 

Wisconsin Football Best Bets vs. Illinois 

Oct 1, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; The Wisconsin Badgers line up for a play during the first quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin vs. Illinois Game Total Under 42 (-110) – Going right back to the under this week. Illinois is allowing nearly 400 yards and 28 points per game this season, but I don’t know how the Badgers are going to score in this one. 

Couple that with a Wisconsin football defense allowing only 17.8 points per game, scoring should be at a premium. 

Spin Zone: Braedyn Locke had an entire week to practice with the starters so maybe he plays better. There’s always a chance Braelon Allen goes nuclear and we put 30+ on the scoreboard. 

Truth serum time: I can’t see any of that happening. 

Illinois +2.5 vs. Wisconsin Football (-110) – As mentioned above, I don’t know how Wisconsin is going to score points. I’ll roll with Illinois as a 2.5 point underdog at home. 

Illinois Moneyline vs. Wisconsin Football (+110) – Everything I’ve said leads me to this point, and I pray I’m dead wrong. As much as it hurts, I think Illinois wins this game. 

I’m still depressed after last week’s loss, and the offense gives me no hope in this team to win.

Other CFB Bets I Like

Penn State Moneyline vs. Ohio State (+164) – This should be an incredible game, but Penn State is the superior team. Simple as that. 

Michigan -24 vs. Michigan State (-110) –  Michigan State is in shambles at the moment, and Michigan happens to be the best team in the country. Perfect recipe for another Michigan blowout win. 

Duke +14.5 vs. Florida State (-110) –  Florida State is a wagon and should win this game. However, Duke boasts one of the best defenses in the country leading me to believe they’ll keep this within two touchdowns. 

If you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Always bet responsibly.

Badgers Country. Let’s ride.

You can also follow me on Twitter @FrznPizzaCooper. There you’ll find jokes, music takes, offensive line talk (especially anything Larry Allen related), Larry Bird highlights (I got a thing for Larry’s what can I say), and of course my Wisconsin football musings for badgernotes.com.

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