Wisconsin vs Ohio State Odds, Picks, Predictions (9/20/22)

The Wisconsin Badgers visit the Ohio State Buckeyes in a primetime matchup this weekend. The Badgers got back on track this past weekend, while Ohio State continued to show good they can be when they scored 77 points. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game.

Wisconsin vs. Ohio State Odds

Ohio State is an 18-point point favorite in Columbus against the Badgers and is also at -975 on the money line. The over/under sits at 56.5 too. Ohio State’s offense has been rolling so it makes sense why the spread would be that high because it’s fair to wonder if anyone can keep up with the Buckeyes this year. the over/under makes sense because it’s still high, but not very high, and it’s because oddsmakers still believe in the Wisconsin defense showing up at least a little bit. This spread will probably stay between 17 and 18, but there’s a possibility it could get to 20.

Wisconsin vs. Ohio State Prediction & Pick

This is not an indictment on Wisconsin and more just how good Ohio State is this year. Wisconsin lost a disappointing game to Washington State two weeks ago and it was the first sign that the Badgers might not be as good as people think. Badger quarterback, Graham Mertz, has been ok to start the year and their running back, Braelon Allen, started a bit slow, but seems to be finally finding his rhythm, especially after last week. Ohio State had a decent showing against Notre Dame in Week 1, but they turned it up a notch since, and have looked very good across the board, but especially on offense.

CJ Stroud is making his Heisman case every week, and TreVeyon Henderson continues to make plays on the ground for the Buckeyes too. They’ve been scoring like this without Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who’s been in and out of the lineup with an injury, but he should be back this week. It will be interesting to see what the Badger defense can do against this offense because Wisconsin’s biggest strength is its defense.

This matchup always offers up some sort of interesting dynamic, so it will be great to see it in primetime. To me this pick seems relatively easy, Ohio State is one of the top three teams in the country and seems to be able to score at will on offense, while also having an improved defense. Those factors seem like they are going to be too much for the Badgers.

Best Bet<:> Ohio State -18

Wisconsin vs. Ohio State Key Matchups

Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Wisconsin vs Ohio State below.

Braelon Allen vs the Ohio State Run Defense

Braelon Allen had a breakout game last week by scoring three touchdowns. The Ohio State defense overall has been improved so far, but Allen will be the best running back they have faced so far, and the Wisconsin offensive line will be one of the better ones they’ve played too. Allen’s best game was against an FCS opponent, so this is a big difference in talent from that. Allen needs to have a decent game for the Badgers to have a chance. The highest total the Buckeye defense has allowed so far has been 124 yards to Toledo last week. The Ohio State run defense is very much improved, especially because that’s how they mainly lost last year, when teams just played more physical than them.

CJ Stroud vs the Wisconsin Passing Defense

CJ Stroud might be the best quarterback in the country. He’s already passed for over 940 yards, and has 11 touchdowns to zero interceptions. He’s also completing 73% of his passes so far which is very impressive. The Wisconsin passing defense has been very good so far. The most passing yards they’ve allowed is 200 yards against Washington State. CJ Stroud and the Buckeye passing attack will be the best they play all year, so this matchup is going to be very interesting to watch. This is a matchup of strength vs strength, so if anything could decide this outcome it could be this matchup.