:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68710644/1297522338.0.jpg)
In a top-25 Big Ten matchup on Saturday afternoon, the No. 15-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes will be traveling to Madison, WI to take on the No. 10-ranked Wisconsin Badgers. This game is scheduled to tip-off at 4:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
The Buckeyes (11-4, 5-4) are coming into this game off a tough 67-65 loss to the Purdue Boilermakers earlier this week. Ohio State lost on a game-winning three-pointer from Purdue guard Jaden Ivey. Before that contest, Ohio State had won three-straight games, which included a win over No. 14-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini. The Buckeyes have fared well against ranked opponents this season with a record of 3-1.
Meanwhile, the Badgers (12-3, 6-2) are riding a two-game winning streak after losing by 23 points to the Michigan Wolverines on Jan. 12. Just like the Buckeyes, Wisconsin has played well against ranked opponents this season, winning three out of their last four games. The Badgers demolished the Northwestern Wildcats 68-52 on Tuesday night.
So where are sports bettors going as we get closer to game time? Let’s take a look. All odds and info were provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Point Spread
Wisconsin is favored by five points heading into this ranked Big Ten matchup. The Badgers are receiving 65% of the bets and 74% of the handle.
Is the public right?
In the Badgers’ last five games, they have a record of 3-2 against the spread. Their last two wins came against the Northwestern (-11) and Rutgers (-2.5). As for the Buckeyes, they too have done well against the spread recently with a record 3-2. Among those five games, they were the underdogs three times and went 2-1. The wins came over Illinois and Rutgers, the latter was on the road.
However, Ohio State will be traveling to Madison, where the Badgers have won three-straight at home and are only giving up 61.3 points per game.
Over/Under
The point total for Saturday afternoon’s contest is set at 134. As of now, 71% of the bets are siding with the over along with 48% of the handle.
Is the public right?
Despite there being a lot of action on the under, which makes season with how the Badgers have been playing defense recently. However, the public might be right in taking the over between these two teams. This season, the Ohio State’s road offense is scoring 74.3 points per game, while Wisconsin’s home defense is allowing 58.8 points per game.
On the other end, Ohio State is giving up the same amount of points on defense at 74.3 points per game. But Wisconsin’s road offense is outscoring Ohio State at 76 points per game.
Moneyline
The Badgers have moneyline odds of -220, while the Buckeyes’ odds coming in at +180. Out of all the moneyline bets placed for this game, Wisconsin is seeing 80% of the bets and 75% of the handle.
Is the public right?
The Badgers have gotten their act together after their loss to the Wolverines a couple of weeks ago. Wisconsin should be able to get their third win in a row as the Buckeyes might be without senior guard C.J. Walker. Walker is Ohio State’s fourth-leading scorer at 8.7 points per game. That means someone else will have to replace that production.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/MI/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA) or Call or Text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IA/IN/CO/IL/TN/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.