Nebraska @ Wisconsin Odds and Predictions: ABC Saturday Night College Football Picks

Week 5 Free College Football Picks and Spreads: Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Wisconsin Badgers 2011 NCAA Football Vegas Odds, Free Picks, and Expert Predictions on ABC Saturday 10/1/11: Two of the Big Ten’s best will meet Saturday night when the eighth-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-0) travel to Madison to face the seventh-ranked Wisconsin Badgers (4-0). The game could be a preview of the conference title game, and considering the history of the Nebraska football program, it seems fitting that the Cornhuskers’ first-ever Big Ten game comes on such a big stage. In fact, the winner of Saturday’s matchup will be thrust squarely into the national title picture. Armed with one of the best homefield advantages in the country, the Badgers are 9 ½-point favorites in this one.

Traditionally, both programs have been known for their defense and ground game. While that is still true to some extent, the Badgers and Cornhuskers have both been blessed with playmaking quarterbacks this season, and it is showing on the scoreboard. Both teams are averaging more than 40 points a game entering Saturday’s contest, andNebraska’s Taylor Martinez and Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson are both on the early list of Heisman contenders. Both signal callers can make plays with their legs, with the edge in speed going to Martinez and Wilson getting the nod in terms of passing ability.

Both teams like to run the ball early and often, but both utilize different packages. The Badgers use a more traditional ground game, while the Cornhuskers use a lot of option sets. Needless to say, the contrasting styles will go a long way to determining the winner. If Wisconsin’s power running game controls the clock and wears down the Nebraska defense, the Badgers are going to be in the driver’s seat. On the flip side, Martinez and company will have the edge if the Wisconsin defense is unable to figure out the option attack in time.

In terms of offensive firepower, the edge has to go the Badgers. Running backs Montee Ball and James White are on pace to approach 1,000 yards a piece for the second year in a row, and the experienced Wisconsin offensive line has paved the way for 16 rushing touchdowns in four games. Meanwhile, Wilson gives the offense plenty of balance, throwing for 11 scores thus far. The Badgers have one of the most balanced attacks in the nation, and Nebraska really can’t key on a single player and hope to be successful.

The same cannot be said for the Badgers’ defense. Priority No. 1 Saturday night will be shutting down Martinez. Nebraska has been nearly unbeatable when he has been healthy, but when he got dinged up last season, the Cornhuskers struggled. If Wisconsincan slow down the star QB, Nebraska’s offense will likely suffer. The Badgers’ offense can help the cause by scoring some points early. The Cornhuskers simply aren’t built to throw the ball on every down and rally from big deficits. 

Several highly-ranked teams have gone into Camp Randall Stadium at night over the years, and few have emerged victorious. The Cornhuskers are going to be welcomed to the Big Ten in the toughest environment in the conference and quite possibly the nation.Martinezis a great player, and the Nebraska defense is solid, but Wisconsin appears to be the real deal in 2011-12. With a relentless running game, a versatile playmaker at quarterback, and a deafening crowd, the Badgers will likely take advantage of this golden opportunity to make a serious statement to the entire country.

Prediction: Wisconsin Badgers (-9 ½) Cover the Spread

Free College Football Picks and NCAAF Predictions: Wisconsin -9.5 to cover the spread

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