College Football Bowl Predictions: Wisconsin vs. Miami 12/30/17
Will Wisconsin handle business on Saturday night in the Capital One Orange Bowl? The Badgers will take on the Miami Hurricanes at 8:00 p.m. ET.
The Odds: Wisconsin vs. Miami, Capital One Orange Bowl, 8:00 p.m. ET
According to oddsmakers, the Badgers are 6-point favorites to win tonight in Miami. The Hurricanes opened as a 5.5-point underdog before the line climbed. The total, meanwhile, sits at 45 points.
The Badgers enter play with a 12-1 record and an 8-5 mark against the spread in 2017. The Hurricanes are 10-2 after losing in the ACC Championship Game to Clemson. They’re just 5-7 at the betting window in 2017.
Wisconsin Badgers Injury Report
The Badgers have several players listed on their injury report that have been out for the season for the past few weeks or months. Running back Bradrick Shaw (undisclosed) is out, as are Quintez Cephus (leg), Patrick Johnson (arm), Zack Braun (foot), and Jack Cichy (knee).
Miami Hurricanes Injury Report
Ahmmon Richards suffered a knee injury back in late November that cost him the rest of his season. Running back Mark Walton was lost for the year due to an ankle injury suffered in October. Tight end Christopher Herndon IV (knee) is also out and so is defensive lineman Gerald Willis (knee).
Our Prediction
Too many bettors and observers are being swept up in the fact that Miami gets to play at home tonight. That doesn’t mean as much if you’re not hyped to play the game. I question the Hurricanes’ motivation for this one after they were stomped in the ACC title game.
Besides, Miami had a home game back in 2009 when the ‘Canes played another Big Ten team in the Citrus Bowl. That game was in Orlando and not Miami but this game has a similar vibe. Nebraska was hyped, while Miami didn’t care. The Cornhuskers won 20-14.
The Badgers are 10-1 against the spread in their last 11 road games and have covered the spread in four of their last five games overall. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, have failed to cover in six of their last eight games and are just 1-5 against the number in their last six bowl games.
I don’t trust Miami to get up for this game, whereas I see Wisconsin treating the contest as a statement opportunity.
Capital One Bowl Game Predictions: Wisconsin Badgers -6
