Wisconsin vs Oklahoma State Predictions, Picks, Guaranteed Rate Bowl Odds (12/27/22)
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Wisconsin faces off with Oklahoma State in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona. Wisconsin had a down year this year by their standards and are coming off a a loss to Minnesota to end the season. Oklahoma State also had a down year compared to expectations and finished the season on a losing streak to both Oklahoma in Bedlam and West Virginia. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!
Wisconsin vs. Oklahoma State Odds
Wisconsin is a 3.5-point favorite against Oklahoma State in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl and is at -165 on the money line. The over/under is also at 43. Wisconsin being favored here makes sense because Oklahoma State was on a downward spiral to finish the year, while Wisconsin did lose to end the year, but were more competitive in general. The over/under also makes sense because these defenses should be able to stop each team’s offense with the amount of transfers each team has dealt with. This spread should stay where it’s at because oddsmakers have more trust in Wisconsin right now as compared to Oklahoma State.
Wisconsin vs. Oklahoma State Prediction & Pick
The pick: Wisconsin -3.5
Wisconsin did not have a normal Wisconsin year this year. They fired Paul Chryst early in the year and gave Jim Leonhard the interim title for the rest of the year. The results were still average for the Badgers and that’s why they went out and got the biggest home run with the coaching carousel in Luke Fickell. The Badgers took a step back this year on offense a lot. They are known for their ground and pound run game and that was inconsistent this year. The passing game was also average at it’s best and very bad at it’s worst. The offense as a whole, was just very vanilla and dull. They averaged 27 points and 363 total yards a game for the year. The Badger defense still held up it’s end and was great all year. They gave up 21 points and 305 total yards a game for the year.
They were also tied at 12th in college football in total yards a game allowed. On the other side, Oklahoma State had a ton of promise and expectations this year, but just fell off a cliff. The strength was the offense, and mainly the passing offense because the running game was inconsistent all year. Spencer Sanders was very good at quarterback, but wasn’t 100% healthy at the end of the year. The offense averages 32 points and 416 total yards a game for the year. The Cowboys’ defense took a big step back this year, mainly due to Jim Knowles leaving for Ohio State. The defense was a big letdown for the Cowboys all year. They gave up 29 points and 441 total yards a game for the year. Wisconsin is the play here because they are going to be playing hard for Leonhard’s final game at Wisconsin, while Oklahoma State has nothing to trust right now and lost it’s best player to the transfer portal in Spencer Sanders.
Wisconsin vs. Oklahoma State Key Matchups
Can Oklahoma State contain Braelon Allen? Can Wisconsin slow down Brennan Presley?
Braelon Allen vs the Oklahoma State Front Seven
Braelon Allen took a little bit of a step back this year with his production, but was still great. He has 208 carries, 1,126 rushing yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns on the year. Braelon Allen is the biggest key for Wisconsin in this game because they need to establish the run game and play like a normal Wisconsin team. The Cowboys allow 171 rushing yards, which is a great matchup for Allen to take advantage of. Allen needs to have a big game for the Badgers to feel good about their offense in this game.
Brennan Presley vs the Wisconsin Secondary
Brennan Presley was great in the receiving corps for Oklahoma State. He has 61 receptions, 739 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns on the year. Presley is a big key for the Cowboys because he’s been the most reliable target in the receiving corps. He has a tough matchup against Wisconsin because they allow 202 passing yards a game. Presley needs to have a big game here in order for the Cowboys to stay in this game at all.