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It’s a coaching reunion for Rutgers’ Greg Schiano and Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell, who worked together on Urban Meyer’s Ohio State staff.
Wisconsin enters the Big Ten game as a 13.0-point favorite at most sportsbooks and is a -550 moneyline favorite. The game is Saturday at Noon ET on Peacock.
Here are Rutgers vs. Wisconsin odds, predictions, picks and the best college football promos and bonuses for Oct. 7.
Rutgers vs. Wisconsin odds and prediction: (Wisconsin -13.0)
Rutgers (4-1) has wins over Northwestern, Temple, Virginia Tech and Wagner, but got drilled at No. 2 Michigan, 31-7.
Wisconsin (3-1) crushed Buffalo and Georgia Southern at home and defeated Purdue on the road. The Badgers’ loss was at still-undefeated Washington State, 31-22 and are now coming off a bye week.
A matchup to watch is Wisconsin in the red zone, with the Badgers tied for the nation’s best offense inside the 20-yard line. On 18 red-zone trips, Wisconsin has 13 touchdowns and five field goals.
Rutgers has the nation’s ninth-best red-zone defense (six touchdowns, two field goals in 13 attempts). If Rutgers’ defense can turn potential touchdowns into field goal attempts, the game can stay close.
Rutgers’ strength is its running game -- RB Kyle Monangai has rushed for 471 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and six touchdowns.
Wisconsin might have a better running back in Braelon Allen. He gained 116 yards and scored two touchdowns on 16 carries against Purdue, and for the season, he averages 7.1 yards per carry.
Rutgers is 4-0-1 against the spread, while Wisconsin 1-2-1.
Camp Randall Stadium provides tremendous home-field advantage. Since 2010, Wisconsin has won 74 games at Camp Randall, sixth-best in the country.
Wisconsin is stronger on offense and defense. Add in home-field advantage and Wisconsin looks like the outright winner with enough to cover the spread.
College football promotions for leading sportsbooks
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Catena Media provides exclusive sports betting content to FrontPageBets.com, including picks, analysis, tools and sportsbook offers to help bettors get in on the action. Please wager responsibly.
Chuck Bausman is a contributing writer at Catena Media. His previous experience includes being an executive sports editor for the Philadelphia Daily News.
