NCAA Football
2012-09-08 - Wisconsin Badgers at Oregon State Beavers
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: College Football
Saturday 8 September 2012 - Kick Off 4pm ET
9pm (British Time)
Preview
This will be the opening game of the season for the Oregon State Beavers after their game last weekend was pulled because of the weather. It is a real test for them as they come up against the Big Ten's Wisconsin Badgers (1-0) who escaped with a fortunate to win to open their season.
There were always going to be some teething problems for Wisconsin considering they lost star Quarter Back Russell Wilson in the Draft and Montee Ball was coming off a concussion suffered when he was attacked on campus. However, Ball did have a touchdown last week and 120 yards on the ground and that game under his belt should do wonders.
Danny O'Brien is the new Quarter Back in charge of the Badgers Offense and he did complete 19 of 23 attempts last weekend after coming across from the Maryland Terrapins. He may not have to do too much this week as Ball could dominate on the ground against a Oregon State Defense that gave up 4.8 yards per carry last season.
While I do expect the Beavers to be much tougher against the run this season, Ball is a special running back that will find his holes and perhaps be able to take advantage of an Oregon State Defense that will play their first game of the season.
Oregon State will be starting Sean Mannion behind Center for the second season in a row and generally the Quarter Back play has improved whenever someone has been able to get to their second year of Mike Riley's system. Mannion had a 16-18 touchdown-interception ration last season, but he has consistency around him as the number 1 receiver is back this year too.
The Badgers struggled against the pass last week as they bring in new starters, and that is an area the Beavers should be able to exploit at times in this one. However, the Offense will also need Malcolm Agnew at his best from the running back position to keep Wisconsin honest, although the Badgers only allowed 2 yards per carry last week and are traditionally tough against the run.
Head to Head
This is only the third ever meeting between Oregon State and Wisconsin and it is the Badgers that lead 2-0 including a 35-0 win last season.
This is the first time they will play in Oregon State.
Other Interesting Trends
Oregon State are 2-5 against the spread in their last 7 home games.
They are 2-6 against the spread in their last 8 games against non-Conference schools.
Wisconsin have lost their last 5 road games against the spread.
Prediction
Despite their poor performance last week, I am going to back the Wisconsin Badgers to cover the spread for the following reasons:
First, I believe Wisconsin will have had their scare last week and will be much more focused with that game under their belt.
Second, the Beavers have struggled against non-Conference schools in recent years, going 2-7 against the spread in the last three seasons.
Third, Wisconsin have been solid in road openers, winning 10 in a row by an average of 13 points per game.
Fourth, I believe the Badgers will be able to control the time of possession in this one through their running game and will likely have a little more consistency in their Offense after playing a game while Oregon State may need to get the rust out of their game, leaving them short in this one.
The Pick :
Oregon State Beavers 17-27 Wisconsin Badgers
