The Wisconsin Badgers 2019 season win total betting number currently sits at over/under 8.5 wins. Those odds are available at most online sportsbooks.
Wisconsin had hopes of making the College Football Playoff last year, but those quickly dissipated after an early home loss to BYU. The Badgers managed a big win over Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl and an 8-5 overall record, but never put together a winning streak of more than two games.
Offense Needs a Boost – But QB a Question Mark
Even with Jonathan Taylor running through everyone last year en route to 2,194 yards and 16 touchdowns, this offense failed to surpass 30 points per game. He’s expected to have another huge season and compete in the Heisman race if Wisconsin can win games, but quarterback remains a question.
Jack Coan has the leg up after serving as a backup last year, but true freshman Graham Mertz received the most hype in the offseason.
Either way, the receivers have to step up for the quarterback and that should be possible. A.J. Taylor (521 yards), Danny Davis (418 yards) and Kendric Pryor are all back to go with tight end Jake Ferguson (36 receptions, 456 yards).
The question is what level the line can perform at with a slew of new starters in the mix. Sure, the Badgers produce NFL-caliber linemen every year, but these guys still have to gel and a couple sophomores are set to start.
Can the Defense Improve on 24.3 ppg?
The defense also gets a bit of a makeover after allowing a disappointing 24.3 points per contest last year. Sophomore Bryson Williams is set to start at nose tackle, while end Garrett Rand returns from an Achilles injury.
Linebacker also welcomes a couple new starters, but seniors Zack Baun and Chris Orr are good entry points for the group.
It’s a little different situation in the secondary where a few underclassmen starters return, though without any truly standout players.
This defense will be good because it’s Wisconsin, but improving on last year’s down season isn’t a given.
2019 Looks Like a Repeat of 2018 To Us
The Badgers have a favorable non-conference slate, but drawing UM, MSU and OSU out of the East division is as difficult as it gets.
Sure, they open with five of their first six at home, but the competition isn’t easy. At the least, they get a bye before opening Big Ten play at home against Michigan.
Because of that schedule against the East, it’s hard to see Wisconsin making the title game unless the new quarterback surprises everyone.
Four of the final six games are on the road with home contests against Iowa and Purdue between them. While finishing with eight wins was a disappointment last year, there’s a good chance the Badgers are near that number again due to schedule.
To surpass that number, they’ll likely need to beat either UM or MSU at home, or take down both Nebraska and Minnesota on the road.
Those things aren’t impossible, but with a question at quarterback and a somewhat fresh offensive line and defense, they aren’t likely in Paul Chryst’s fifth season in charge.
Wisconsin is at Ohio State 10/26. Here is our Buckeyes Betting Preview.
2019 Wisconsin Badgers Football Schedule
Aug. 30 at South Florida
Sept. 7 vs. Central Michigan
Sept. 21 vs. Michigan
Sept. 28 vs. Northwestern
Oct. 5 vs. Kent State
Oct. 12 vs. Michigan State
Oct. 19 at Illinois
Oct. 26 at Ohio State
Nov. 9 vs. Iowa
Nov. 16 at Nebraska
Nov. 23 vs. Purdue
Nov. 30 at Minnesota