College Football Futures: It was a solid and successful first year for head coach Gary Andersen, who had one of the top college football programs in the nation fall into his lap when previous Wisconsin head coach Brett Bielema stomped off to the Arkansas Razorbacks in a huff after saying he felt unappreciated. Andersen led the Badgers to a 9-4 record straight up while also getting the money against the spread with an identical mark of 9-4. Now the question is if Andersen can maintain the Badgers level of play as the program evolves into his and more of Bielema’s recruits depart the scene. Wisconsin opened as a 33/1 choice to win the BCS national championship and was a 9/2 choice to win the Big Ten Conference championship. Wisconsin opened with an over under win total of 9.5.
Leaders and Legends No More
The Big Ten Conference has reconfigured yet again with Rutgers and Maryland joining the league to make for East and West Divisions that replace the much derided Leaders and Legends Divisions. Wisconsin is in what is considered to be the weaker West Division and will be favored over fellow contenders Northwestern, Nebraska, and Iowa. The big concern is a defense that returns just three starters off a unit that allowed its fewest points per game in seven years.
Handicapper’s Notes
Wisconsin has paid out in 13 out of their last 20 home games with just five out of their last 14 home games at Camp Randall Stadium going over the total. The Badgers have been less successful as a board value on the road with a mark of just six payouts in their last 17 road games with seven out of their last 11 away games going over the total. Wisconsin has covered the spread in 12 out of their last 17 games as a favorite with eight out of their last 12 games as a chalk going under the total. The Badgers have paid out in seven out of their last 11 games as a dog with seven out of their last 10 games as a dog going over the total.
Our Prognosis
Led by QB Joel Stave the Badgers return seven starters on offense and get Nebraska at home this year. Their game at Iowa on November 22 should decide the West.
