Washington State vs. Wisconsin: Early point spread released for Cougars, Badgers

Wisconsin enters a Week 2 matchup against Washington State hoping to avenge a 17-14 home loss from last season. The Badgers should look a lot different this year with a new head coach in Luke Fickell and new quarterback in Tanner Mordecai, but will have to overcome a rowdy road environment in Pullman.

The oddsmakers in Vegas believe they can, as Wisconsin comes in as a 4.5-point favorite according to FanDuel. The over/under for the contest is set at 55.5.

Although there was some speculation the Badgers would pass more under offensive coordinator Phil Longo, Week 1 still featured a heavy dose of the run. Wisconsin defeated Buffalo by a score 38-17 on Saturday behind a pair of 100-yard performances from running backs Chez Mellusi and Braelon Allen.

Mellusi and Allen combined for 298 yards and four touchdowns, including an 89-yard TD run from the former. Overall, the Badgers totaled 314 yards rushing while averaging 7.9 yards per carry.

Wisconsin passed slightly more than it did on average last season with 43.7% of its plays being a pass compared to 39.5% in 2022. However, Mordecai struggled in his first game as a Badger to finish 24-of-31 passing for 189 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He had a QB rating of just 36.0 according to ESPN.

For Wisconsin to get where it wants to go this year, it will need Mordecai to regain the form he had at SMU. He threw for a combined 7,152 yards, 72 touchdowns and 20 interceptions over two seasons with the Mustangs.

If the way the Washington State defense played in Week 1 is any indication, the Badgers will have a tougher time getting the running game going this Saturday. The Cougars cruised to a 50-24 win against Colorado State and held the Rams rushing attack to just 37 yards on 20 carries (1.9 yards per carry).

WSU quarterback Cameron Ward put together an impressive performance to finish 37-of-49 passing for 451 yards and three touchdowns. He was also the team’s leading rusher with 40 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. The Cougars struggled overall on the ground in the win to finish with 90 yards rushing and 2.4 yards per carry.

With all that in mind, fans should be treated to an entertaining contest when Washington State and Wisconsin clash. Kickoff for the Week 2 matchup is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday in Pullman.