Wisconsin and Miami (OH) are facing off on Thursday night of Week 1. The game will take place at 9:00 P.M. EDT in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin is looking to get their program back on track this season, and it starts with this Big Ten-MAC matchup.
The Badgers are 17.5-point home favorites in this game on the DraftKings Sportsbook. Wisconsin is a -950 favorite on the Moneyline, and the total is set at 39.5 points. This is a preview, prediction, and pick for this Wisconsin-Miami (OH) game.
Wisconsin vs. Miami (OH) Preview
Wisconsin Preview
Wisconsin needs to get things back on track to get the program back to a competitive spot in the Big Ten. The Badgers made a big hire when they brought in Luke Fickell prior to the 2023 season. However, things have not gone to plan under Fickell, with a 12-12 regular season record through two seasons. They made a change at offensive coordinator this offseason, bringing in former Baylor and Kansas Offensive Coordinator Jeff Grimes to replace Phil Longo. Grimes will be a much better scheme fit for Wisconsin’s personnel and the type of offense fans are accustomed to them running. They tried to overhaul their offense with Longo’s air raid offense, but that isn’t Wisconsin football. Grimes will try to run it down their opponent’s throats, something the Badgers did successfully for years in the Big Ten with the likes of Ron Dayne, Jonathan Taylor, Melvin Gordon and Montee Ball. The Badgers also brought in an experienced dual-threat quarterback, Billy Edwards, from Maryland to run their offense.
Miami (OH) Preview
Chuck Martin has done a fantastic job at Miami over the past decade. Over the past four seasons specifically, Miami has been to three bowl games and won a MAC title. However, this could be a tough season for the RedHawks. They rank in the bottom ten of all of college football in returning production. They lost all five starters on the offensive line and some high-level skill position players. They got a solid quarterback transfer, Dequan Finn, to join them, but he could struggle with an inexperienced line and untried weapons. This is a big first game for Miami with so many new pieces, having to travel to a Big Ten team with a great home environment.
Wisconsin vs. Miami (OH) Pick
My best bet for this game is for Miami to stay under their team total of 10.5 points. This game has a very low total, sitting at 39.5 points. Wisconsin is breaking in a new quarterback and offensive coordinator, while Miami is breaking in a new everything on the offensive side of the ball. The Badgers did a great job in the transfer portal, loading up on their defensive line. They should be living in the backfield against this inexperienced Miami offensive line. Dequan Finn should play well against most MAC defenses, but against the Badgers, it should be a long night. Wisconsin should be able to cover the spread, but they might take their foot off the gas down the stretch to keep the game somewhat close. My most confident pick is in their defense dominating start to finish, keeping Miami under this team total.
