Henry Roldán
Another matchup of this first week of 2022 college football pits the Illinois State Redbirds against the Wisconsin Badgers in a battle between colleges with very different circumstances.
While the Redbirds had just four wins last season in the FCS, the Badgers begin the season as the No. 20 team in the nation after finishing the previous season with an 8-4 record and a win, over Arizona State, in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Predictions and Betting Preview for the Illinois State Redbirds vs Wisconsin Badgers College Football Game on September 3, 2022
- Where: Camp Randall Stadium – Madison, Wisconsin.
- When: Saturday, September 3, 2022, 7:00 PM E.T.
Betting on the Illinois State Redbirds
- Season record: 0-0.
- Spread: +33.0.
- Moneyline: N/A.
- Over/Under: 39.
While its 4-7 record in the Missouri Valley Conference of the FCS is not all that impressive, most analysts expect Illinois State to improve its performance this year.
On offense, head coach Brock Spack will count on Zack Annexstad, who, despite being out of the college football program for a couple of years, has the experience to improve the team’s offense. The ground game will be led by Cole Mueller, a running back who last season was only five yards shy of 1,000 yards.
On the offensive side, the Redbirds also have experienced players on the team, although this time they might have a difficult night against the powerful Badgers’ ground attack.
Betting on the Wisconsin Badgers
- Season record: 0-0.
- Spread: -33.0.
- Moneyline: N/A.
- Over/Under: 39.
For many, the Badgers last season did not live up to expectations after falling out of contention for the Big 10 Conference championship; this despite ultimately taking the Las Vegas Bowl against Arizona State.
The Badgers’ major scoring weapon is their ground attack, and they should have little trouble beating the Redbirds. This first game will also act as a check on quarterback Graham Mertz, who is under fire for his inconsistency last year.
Regarding Wisconsin’s defense, there is no inconsistency nor doubts. Last season, they led the conference in average points allowed and total yards allowed, and that’s unlikely to change this year, especially against Illinois State’s offense.
JefeBet Prediction
Wisconsin should have no trouble winning its first game of the season. The Redbirds are coming off a pretty tough FCS subdivision season, and starting 2022 against the Badgers is not good news for them.
The Badgers outplay their rivals in every area of the game, and in Las Vegas the difference is noticeable as they believe the Redbirds won’t even score a touchdown next Saturday.
Pick: Over.
