Reviewing Betting Line, Spread, & Total: Wisconsin at Rutgers

Exactly one month ago, this is a game that had a bit more juice. All of a sudden, Wisconsin is playing well and this is another tough spot for Rutgers.

After four straight victories, the Badgers are set to enter Piscataway as a 13-point favorite over the Scarlet Knights, according to BetOnline. The line opened at 11 points but has moved considerably since. The total is set at 38.5. This is a game where the money line odds are monstrous. Wisconsin can be taken at -550 while Rutgers is +430.

Wisconsin cannot be tripped up in this game. The Badgers are back in the mix in the Big Ten West after what was a disappointing start. The schedule is favorable for Wisconsin. It has a season-finale matchup set against Minnesota that could decide the division. Until then, Wisconsin will face Rutgers, Northwestern, and Nebraska. Not exactly murderers’ row.

During their four-game win streak, the Badgers have showed some trends. They are 3-1 ATS, with the lone loss being a one-score victory over Army where they were 14-point favorites. Three games have also gone under. This is a product of Wisconsin not scoring much and the defense beginning to play up to par.

As for the Scarlet Knights, they were able to get back in the win column with a cover against Illinois. Rutgers entered as road favorites and picked up an outright victory and one ATS. As for the total, Rutgers has seen four of the last five games and three in a row go under. The offense continues to struggle and opponents have not been scoring much either. The one game that went over was when Ohio State exploded for 52 points.

This is another game that has the stench of a low-scoring affair. The fact that the Badger defense is beginning to show up is bad news for Rutgers but good news for those who might be interested in the under.

The overall spread in the game will depend on if Graham Mertz can take care of the football. The Rutgers’ defense has not been creating turnovers like it has in the past but this could be a chance with a quarterback who has struggled in that aspect.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 P.M. ET on Saturday from SHI Stadium in Piscataway, airing live on the Big Ten Network.