17-14 posted on the season
UNDER 44
Wowsers look at that line move already...from 9.5 down to 6.5. People are selling Bucky and why wouldn't ya? Now here comes our old coach, that nearly loveable big goof known as Bert Bielema. Will he roll into town and take out Coach Chryst, and send him to the unemployment office?? A win SHOULD do just that, but that's not how we like to do things down at Madison. Like the nice Midwesterners we are, we'll just sit in suffering until the time is truly proper, if at all. So be it. Onto this total..
Wisconsin defense was obviously embarrassed at the hands of Ohio St. While it is true this unit is not as talented yet as years past, they are still way better than that no-show effort. I expect the Bucky D to be in full blown redemption mode and they'll present a challenge the Illini offense has not seen yet this season. Their stats are way off the charts, but honestly. They'll still get some points (likely the result of field position or a turnover), but I don't think they can get over 21 or so.
Illinois defense meanwhile should reflect the attitude of Coach Bert - heading into this game with an aggressive attitude, ready to win at Camp Randall. Lucky for them they get to face the Sultan of Suck, the Excellence of non-Execution, Graham Mertz. A noodlebrain with the fortitude to match. There's a revenge angle versus Mertz for the Illini as well: The only good game Mertz ever played as a Badger was a win at Illinois. Braelon Allen is yet another excellent Wisconsin running back. Unfortunately for him, he's saddled with a barely average Big 10 offensive line, and below average WRs. Cundiff the TE was the lone other bright spot on offense but, alas, the Buckeyes knocked him out for the year. Mix in a heavy dose of inept playcalling, Librarian-level intensity and non existent leadership from Paul Chryst...no doubt we can see what's coming.
Add all this up and it doesn't add up to 45+ points IMO.
With the value going bye bye far as a side spread goes, the only way I would look is Illini ML.