Wisconsin hosts No. 24 Washington for a Week 11 matchup on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Huskies are listed as 10.5-point road favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at O/U 44.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction, and best bet for this matchup between these two Big Ten opponents.
Washington vs. Wisconsin prediction, preview
Washington Preview
The Washington Huskies are one of the two-loss teams in the Big Ten that still control their own fate to make the College Football Playoff. The Huskies end the season by hosting their rival, the Oregon Ducks. En route to that game, they have three relatively comfortable conference matchups, starting with this game against Wisconsin. Washington boasts one of the most exciting offensive trios in the nation, featuring quarterback Demond Williams, running back Jonah Coleman, and wide receiver Denzel Boston. This team ranks fifth in the nation in offensive EPA/play and is capable of beating anybody when that group is firing on all cylinders. The next three weeks are about remaining focused and handling inferior opponents on the path to that massive finale against Oregon.
Wisconsin Preview
Things could not be going worse for the Wisconsin Badgers. For the second straight season, their quarterback got injured in the season opener. Once again, Wisconsin’s season was over before it even started. From 1996 to 2023, Wisconsin only missed a bowl game once. It was one of the most consistent programs in college football, regularly being one of the most competitive second-tier Big Ten schools. However, that run finally broke last season when Luke Fickell’s team went 5-7. This season, things are far worse as Wisconsin has yet to win a conference game. The Badgers are 0-5 in Big Ten play and 2-6 overall. Things don’t get easier after this matchup with Washington. Indiana is Wisconsin’s next opponent, followed by Illinois. This team is going to make it two straight seasons with a missed bowl game. Despite that, Wisconsin announced that Fickell will be returning to coach the team again next season.
Washington vs. Wisconsin pick, best bet
My best bet for this game is for Washington to cover the double-digit spread. Wisconsin has been non-competitive in Big Ten play. In five Big Ten games, this offense is averaging 5.4 points per game. If this team scores a single touchdown, it will exceed expectations offensively. Wisconsin has only scored more than 17 points once all season, and that came against Middle Tennessee State in Week 2. That means Washington just needs to take care of business offensively and play a clean game to get out of Madison with a win.
The Badgers’ defense ranks 95th in defensive EPA/pass. Washington should be able to hit shots to Denzel Boston down the field. Then, if Wisconsin commits too many defenders to the secondary, Jonah Coleman can gash them with a big run play or two. This Washington offense has too much talent to be denied, and it should eventually break the dam with the amount of time it will be on the field. This will be another rough showing for the Badgers in Big Ten play, getting Washington the win and cover.
