Best Bets: Wisconsin Football vs. Iowa Hawkeyes

Wisconsin Badgers football came away with a 24-13 victory over Rutgers last weekend, and to all my hater’s surprise, I also had a winning weekend.

Now, I did miss my EMPTY.THE.FUCKING.CLIP. bet, but I had my best weekend of the season, so I’ll take it. 

Quick public service announcement: I will be taking this week off from EMPTYING.THE.FUCKING.CLIP. No further questions at this time. 

Before we get into this week’s picks, let’s take a quick look at my incredible results from last week. 

Wisconsin Football Week Five Gambling Results

Oct 7, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; The Rutgers Scarlet Knights line up for a play during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

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Losers: 

Washington State +3.5 vs UCLA (-115) – Wazzu had a five-point lead heading into the fourth quarter but weren’t able to hold on, losing 25-17. 

Cam Ward played arguably the worst game of his FCS career, not even reaching 200 yards passing. I’m glad I didn’t wake up feeling frisky and bet on the Wazzu money line.  

Wisconsin Football vs. Rutgers Game Total Over 44 (-110) –  I got humbled trying to empty the clip two weeks in a row. Now, it’s up to me to earn back the respect and trust of everyone. A feat that seems damn near impossible. But the gambling gods give their toughest battles to their strongest soldiers. 

I still can’t believe this didn’t hit. I felt like I knew the future when I placed this bet and got fucked over by a magic squirrel. 

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Winners: We got plenty of ’em this week. 

Rutgers +14 vs. Wisconsin Football (-110) – I couldn’t have gotten more lucky on this one. Rutgers was down 18 with a little over four minutes left and had shown zero life on offense. Then Hayden Rucci continued his consistent play by fumbling at the Wisconsin 21-yard line. 

Rutgers scored three plays later to cut the lead to 11. Then failed to recover the ensuing onside kick attempt, and the Badgers ran out the rest of the clock. 

I’d rather be lucky than good. 

Tanner Mordecai Over 19.5 rushing yards (-125) –  This was easy money. Tanner Mordecai rushed 11 times for 50 yards, and to my surprise, Rutgers didn’t seem too interested in taking Mordecai out of the running game, even with the loss of Chez Mellusi. 

Jackson Acker having a solid showing certainly helped; regardless, Mordecai continues to shine as a rusher this season. 

JaQuae Jackson (Rutgers) over 27.5 yards receiving (-115) – Jackson only had three receptions but made them count, tallying 46 yards. He hit this over within three plays on the same drive in the second quarter. With a 12-yard and 26-yard reception, respectfully. 

Texas vs. Oklahoma Game Total Over 60.5 (-110) – I was a little nervous about the over late in the game, but The Red River Rivalry didn’t disappoint. Oklahoma drove 75 yards in the final minute and scored a touchdown with 15 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Not only hitting the over but won the game 34-30 as well. 

Michigan -18.5 vs. Minnesota (-110) – This was an absolute bloodbath, with Michigan winning 52-10. Minnesota is complete ass, and the Wolverines are one of the top three teams in the country. That was on full display last Saturday. 

Season Record: 16-22-0 – Slowly scratching and clawing my way to a .500 record. 

Wisconsin Football Best Bets vs. Iowa

Nov 12, 2022; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; The line of scrimmage during the game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa +10 vs. Wisconsin Football (-110) – I despise betting on this game every year because both teams are usually evenly matched; whether that’s a good or bad thing is a whole other discussion, but I’m obliged to make a pick. 

I don’t feel great about either side of the spread, but I believe this will be a close game, so I’ll roll with the Hawkeyes +10. 

Both offenses will likely struggle in the poor weather conditions and we could see a record number of punts. If you like old-school BIG Ten football, this game will be for you.

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Iowa Game Total Under 36.5 (-110) – *This line has dropped to 34.5 since I placed my bet on Tuesday. Once again, I’m ahead of the curve*

The forecast for this game is not ideal for scoring points. Rain and strong winds, with gusts over 20mph, are expected throughout the entire contest. With the bad weather, the under seems like a no-brainer. 

Wisconsin vs. Iowa 1st Half Under 16.5 (+105) – There are very few bets I like for this game, so I’ll double down on the under. 

There’s nothing else on the board for this game I have any interest in betting on, so there are only three picks from the game this week. It’s called responsible gambling. 

Other CFB Bets I Like 

Georgia Southern vs. James Madison Game Total over 58.5 (-110) – If you’ve listened to the Badgers Notes After Dark podcast, you know I love both of these teams and the Sun Belt Conference in general. 

Both teams average over 30 points and 400 yards per game, and after going double under in the Badger vs. Iowa game, I need an over in my life. 

Wyoming +10.5 vs. Air Force (-110) – Wyoming has been surprisingly good this season, with their only loss coming against Texas 31-10. Air Force is undefeated, but their schedule leaves much to be desired. Give me Wyoming to keep this within 10.

North Carolina -3.5 vs. Miami (-105) – After Miami’s coaching blunder last week I have no choice but to lay the -3.5 with UNC. 

Wisconsin Badgers Player Prop Bets for this Weekend’s Game vs. Iowa

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.

*Subscribe to BadgerNotes After Dark on Youtube and wherever you find podcasts, the official Wisconsin Badgers podcast of the Big Banter Sports Network.