Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin Badgers 8/30/24 – All eyes are on the Western Michigan Broncos vs. Wisconsin Badgers matchup as the new college football season starts. This game will be an electrifying start to NCAAF. It will likely be attended by many spectators as it sets the stage for a game that may have everything from drama, suspense, excitement, and, of course, the gridiron itself. Friday at Camp Randall Stadium – Madison, WI, is where all this will take place. The game will kick off at 9:00 PM ET and will be aired live on FS1. In these two teams’ contest, you won’t want to miss any part because this is one of NCAAF Week 1 free predictions today, the most anticipated games that people have been waiting to bet on over time.
Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin Badgers 8/30/24
| When: | Friday, August 30, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Camp Randall Stadium |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broncos | +23 (-110) | 52.5 over (-111) | +1600 |  |
| Badgers | -23 (-110) | 52.5 under (-111) | -5000 | |
| ||||
we are so back #EAT | #BroncosReign pic.twitter.com/Vx976oubbY
— Western Michigan Football (@WMU_Football) August 26, 2024
The betting lines set the Broncos as substantial underdogs with a 23-point spread, reflecting the perceived gap in team strength and performance potential. These odds offer insights into what bettors can expect, suggesting a game that might be less competitive, albeit with opportunities for high-scoring plays.
Hayden Wolff QB vs. Braedyn Locke QB
Western Michigan’s Hayden Wolff, the quarterback who ended the previous season 148-of-226 for 1,505 passing yards. He has completed 65.5% of his passes and thrown for eight touchdowns against five picks. However, last season he gave up 18 sacks that cost him a total of 88 yards. To break through the Badgers’ defense, his ability to make connections on deep throws will be essential.
On the other hand, it has not been easy for Braedyn Locke from Wisconsin, as he only managed 76 completions out of 152 attempts, resulting in a total of 777 passing yards. This is because he had a low completion percentage (50%) and an average yards per pass attempt (5.1), indicating some areas that can be improved upon. Nevertheless, this has led to fewer turnovers, which are very important for maintaining possession in football games.
The game could easily be decided by who handles pressure well out of these two quarterbacks. Wolff may have the upper hand in efficiency and bigger plays; hence, the Broncos may be a little bit ahead in air, while Locke needs to step up his game, which presents an opportunity for the Broncos’ defense to take advantage of any such errors.
Broncos’ Rushing and Receiving Impact: A Tactical Overview
Last season, rushing for over 1,000 yards and averaging 5.3 yards per carry was Jalen Buckley, the Broncos’ main running back. This will be vital in establishing the play-action pass by signaling his aptitude to run away, as shown by his longest rush of 75 yards. Kenneth Womack had a team-high 691 receiving yards last year; therefore, he needs to ensure he is sharp in order to challenge Wisconsin’s secondary.
Badgers’ Offensive Strategy: The Rush and Pass Equation
The Badgers have been less explosive on the ground this year, with Jackson Acker leading them at around 4.5 yards a carry. They will need him to step up so as to keep the mood balanced and prevent the opposing defense from cheating toward one side of the field while supporting their passing game. It could make a difference if Will Pauling plays well, as he can stretch defenses vertically and make big plays when needed most.
Trends
Western Michigan Broncos Betting Trends
Western Michigan is 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Western Michigan’s last 10 games.
Western Michigan is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games.
Western Michigan is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games on the road.
The Broncos are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games against an opponent in the Big Ten conference.
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Wisconsin’s last 18 games.
Wisconsin is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wisconsin’s last 6 games at home.
Wisconsin is 10-0 SU in their last 10 games against an opponent in the Mid-American Conference.
Wisconsin is 9-1 SU in their last 10 games played in August.
Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin Betting Prediction
Looking at the whole analysis and historical context, Wisconsin comes off strongly against Mid-American Conference teams. The spread is wide, but Wisconsin’s good record in August and a few other factors may help them to cover it. As for over/under bettors, the under has been trending lately at Wisconsin home games, and this could be a smart play, especially when considering both teams’ recent scoring trends.
At any rate, Western Michigan may not be, therefore, capable of an upset, but expect them to remain fiercely competitive in case their key players are performing at their best. However, it seems more realistic for gamblers who are considering the under and betting on Wisconsin to cover the line, particularly when exploring some of the top-tier online casinos.
Score Prediction: Wisconsin 31, Western Michigan 13.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: August 26, 2024
Last updated: March 25, 2025