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No. 4 Alabama (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0)
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: Noon ET
TV: Fox
As someone who lives within 150 miles of Madison, I know the hype for this game started months ago, possibly even years.
With Wisconsin clearly not playing at its ceiling and Alabama raising some eyebrows offensively, there’s an opportunity to take advantage of a high first-half total.
The pick — Alabama-Wisconsin UNDER 26.5 first-half points (-115, DraftKings)
Before looking at the stats, a simple eye test shows that the offenses aren’t running at peak efficiency.
Last week, Crimson Tide scored 14 points in the first three quarters of their 42-16 win against UCF. Wisconsin ranks 83rd with 4.7 yards per play after facing the hard-nosed defenses of (checks notes) Western Michigan and FCS South Dakota.
Oof.
I have zero confidence Badgers quarterback and Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke can lead any kind of consistent vertical attack against a strong Alabama defense that ranks No. 1 in opponent yards per completion at a measly 5.4. And much like the cheese curds in its state, Wisconsin’s defense has been tasty, ranking eighth in SP+ and top-25 in yards per game allowed.
In a game like this with an early 11 a.m. local kickoff, it’ll take a beat for both teams to find any type of offensive rhythm. The game plans likely will focus on the teams’ strength (defense) and try to limit chunk plays through the air.
All of this adds up to a low-scoring first half in a contest where both squads seem offensively stuck.
Grab your Spotted Cow, pay your respects at the Mars Cheese Castle and get ready for a defensive battle in Madison.
Season record: 4-4, -0.20 units