Washington State went 7-6 last season, which included a loss to Central Michigan in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. Starting quarterback Jayden de Laura left town for Arizona but was replaced by FCS transfer Cameron Ward. Ward was spectacular for the Incarnate Word Cardinals, throwing for 4,648 yards and 46 touchdowns during their 10-3 campaign in 2021.
However, this is the FBS where the talent level takes a big jump.
Ward showed some poise for the Cougars in Week 1, throwing for three touchdowns on their way to a 24-17 victory over Idaho. However, the Cougars lost three fumbles — one which was returned for a 45-yard touchdown. They are going to have their work cut out for them against the No.-19 ranked Wisconsin Badgers, who finished 9-4 in 2021 with a victory in the Las Vegas Bowl over Arizona State.
The Badgers return three key players to a team that averaged 210 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Graham Mertz, who has four years of playing experience, Senior Chez Mellusi, and Sophomore Braelon Allen, who averaged 6.8 yards per carry on his way to 12 touchdowns. Allen is a candidate for the Doke Walker award this season (nation’s best running back). Wisconsin breezed past FCS Illinois State after taking an early lead on a 100-yard pick 6. With neither team playing a solid opponent in week 1 this one could be interesting.
The spread is at 17.5 points with a total of 49. Wisconsin is 2-3 against the spread in its last five games with the Badgers being favored by more than 17.5 in both of the ATS wins.
Washington State vs Wisconsin Prediction & Week 2 Picks
Wisconsin Offense
We talked about how great Braelon Allen could be this season, and he flashed that last week with a 94-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against Illinois State. That game got out of hand early and he finished with 14 carries for 148 yards.
Quarterback Graham Mertz was efficient going 14-of-16 for 219 yards and a touchdown. Mertz has capable receivers and two pass catching tight ends but will he be able to get them the ball against a Washington State defense that recorded seven sacks and 12 tackles for loss against Idaho?
Maybe …
Washington State Offense
The Cougars have a new dynamic playmaker in Cameron Ward, who showed he’s capable of running the ball when needed but he has a pass-first mindset. Ward completed 26-of-41 passes and three touchdowns in Week 1 but only at 5.6 yards per pass.
The Cougars may need to throw the ball deep if they get down early and it’s going to be tough against a Wisconsin secondary that gave up a Big Ten-best 175 passing yards per game.
The Cougars do have one bright spot in the running game and that’s former Wisconsin Badger Nakia Watson, who rushed for over 100 yards against Idaho.
Washington State vs Wisconsin Prediction
The turnovers against Idaho really make me worry about the Washington State offense, and if that happens against Wisconsin, they could be in big trouble. Wisconsin puts up a big number while Washington State tries to play catchup.
I’m not sure the Badgers cover 17.5 points, but I think this secondary is too good for Cameron Ward to have a big game.
Only four of the Badgers 13 games last season totaled more than 49 points. I’m predicting a 34-14 win for Wisconsin, which means my best bet of the night is the UNDER.
Best NCAAF Bets: Under 49 total points (-110)
