The Alabama Crimson Tide vs. the Wisconsin Badgers face off in another SEC vs. Big Ten showdown in 2024, marking their third-ever meeting. The last time these two storied programs met was in 2015 in Arlington, Texas, where Alabama claimed a 35-17 victory. In that game, future Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry stole the show, rushing for 147 yards and three touchdowns on just 13 carries.
Their only other matchup dates back to 1928.
Both teams come into this game with 2-0 records, and Alabama has climbed into the top five, currently ranked No. 4 in the nation. We break down the betting odds and make our pick in this Alabama vs. Wisconsin Prediction.
Alabama vs. Wisconsin Betting Preview
All Alabam vs. Wisconsin odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Sept. 14.
- Spread
Alabama -16 - Moneyline
Alabama -750, Wisconsin +525 - Over/Under
48.5 - Game time
Noon ET - Location
Camp Randall Stadium | Madison, Wisconsin - Predicted Weather at Kick
72 degrees, partly cloudy - How to Watch
FOX
This line has seen plenty of movement since opening Alabama -9.5 in August. Since then, the number has been boosted considerably. The most significant jump came on September 4, when the line jumped from Alabama -10 to Alabama -16.5.
The total has experienced a steady decline since the opening number of 55.5. It has now fallen to 48.5.
Wisconsin opened with a puncher’s chance in the eyes of the line-makers as a +270 moneyline dog. But just like the spread, that number has also inflated since the start of the season. Wisconsin is up to a +525 moneyline dog.
Prediction for Alabama vs. Wisconsin
The key player to watch in this matchup is Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. He has been a dynamic force, throwing for 400 yards and five touchdowns while also leading the Crimson Tide with four rushing scores. Milroe’s dual-threat ability makes him a significant factor week after week.
On the other side, Wisconsin’s transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has been solid but not spectacular. He enters this Week 3 game with just one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown, raising questions about his ability to impact this matchup against Alabama.
The Badgers’ passing game has yet to find its rhythm under offensive coordinator Phil Longo, who was expected to revitalize Wisconsin’s offense with his Air Raid system. So far, it hasn’t taken off, as no Wisconsin receiver has emerged as a key playmaker. Will Pauling is the only receiver with over 100 yards through two games, totaling just 108 yards on 10 catches.
Against a tough Alabama defense, Wisconsin’s passing attack may continue to struggle.
Wisconsin’s ground game, led by Chez Mellusi, has shown more promise. Mellusi has carried the ball 35 times for 134 yards and three touchdowns. However, facing Alabama’s stout defensive front, he will have a challenging time breaking through.
Overall, Alabama’s offense, with Milroe at the helm, appears to have the edge in this matchup, while Wisconsin may find it tough to generate consistent offense.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff PredictorLast week, I predicted that Texas would overpower a Michigan team that couldn’t match up in the trenches or at the skill positions in an SEC vs. Big Ten clash. I called for a 27-13 Texas win, and the Longhorns went into Ann Arbor and dominated, 31-12.
For Wisconsin and Big Ten fans, it’s hard to see a different outcome this week. The Wisconsin offense has looked sluggish, failing to score 30 points against either Western Michigan or South Dakota. In those games, they controlled the football and time of possession, but that’s unlikely to happen against Alabama.
Yes, Alabama appeared vulnerable last week against an underrated South Florida team.
The Crimson Tide led by just 14-13 heading into the fourth quarter. However, Kalen DeBoer’s offense came alive in the final frame, scoring 21 unanswered points to secure a 35-16 victory. This is the same South Florida team that gave Alabama trouble in 2023 when many doubted Jalen Milroe’s ability to lead the team.
However, the Tide bounced back from an opening-weekend loss to Texas and didn’t lose again until the national semifinal, including a 24-10 win over a talented Ole Miss squad after the USF scare.
Wisconsin simply doesn’t seem ready for the level of talent Alabama will bring to Camp Randall on Saturday. They might control the ball early and move the chains, but eventually, Alabama’s strength and depth will take over.
Adding to Wisconsin’s challenge is their unusual Big Ten opener the following week at USC.
This combination spells trouble for the Badgers.
Score Prediction: Alabama 38, Wisconsin 13
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