Penn State Football and Big Ten Picks ATS | Week 5
Wisconsin -7.5 vs Northwestern
Wisconsin was a winner for us last week as they went to the Big House and dismantled the Wolverines 49-11. Wisconsin is 2-0 on the year, having had two games suspended due to Covid-19, outscoring both opponents by a total of 76 points.
Badgers Freshman quarterback Graham Mertz has been efficient, throwing seven touchdowns to zero interceptions thus far. Defensively, the Badgers have only given up 437 yards in two games, and forced four takeaways. Wisconsin looks like a legit contender, and while they are 4-0, the Wildcats have not yet proven themselves.
Northwestern’s four victories have come against Maryland, Iowa, Nebraska and Purdue….not exactly murderer’s row.
The Wildcats’ last three victories have come by a combined 16 points, ad have failed to score over 30 points in any of those games. The Wildcats are getting solid quarterback play from grad transfer quarterback Peyton Ramsey, with six touchdowns to four interceptions and 723 yards passing.
I believe Northwestern will struggle to consistently move the ball on this Wisconsin defense, and a turnover in the second half will be the difference. Wisconsin is to balanced on offense with Mertz and a run game averaging 260 yards a game. Northwestern is more pretender then contender. Wisconsin 31-17.