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The Wisconsin Badgers begin their redemption tour Thursday night, August 28, when they host the Miami (OH) RedHawks in Madison. Both teams are rolling out new quarterbacks, but for very different reasons—Wisconsin trying to reverse a losing trend, and Miami hoping to reload for another MAC title push.
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Every play matters
Wisconsin enters as a solid 17.5-point favorite, with the over/under currently set at 53.5.
Looking for sharper football predictions? Explore expert picks and insights →
Wisconsin Can Win If…
New offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes can breathe life into an offense that averaged just 22.6 points per game in 2024. Transfer QB Billy Edwards Jr. has big shoes to fill but brings starting experience from Maryland.
“Ultimately, game one in particular, is about focusing on yourself,” coach Luke Fickell said. “We’ve got a lot to prove to ourselves.”
Redshirt freshman Dilin Jones leads the backfield alongside returning contributors Darrion Dupree and Cade Yacamelli. Wisconsin’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and avoid early mistakes will dictate the game’s tempo.
Miami (OH) Can Win If…
The RedHawks need a strong performance from seasoned quarterback Dequan Finn, a seventh-year senior with over 8,000 career total yards. If Finn is healthy and effective, Miami could keep this competitive.
“We’ve still got a hodgepodge mess of talented kids that are inconsistent,” coach Chuck Martin said. “We’re going to play a ton of Wisconsin on offense.”
Miami’s experienced defense, led by returning upperclassmen, will need to limit explosive plays and pressure the new Badger QB into errors.
Key NCAAF Betting Trends
| Category | Wisconsin | Miami (OH) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Record | 5-7 | 9-5 |
| Last 5 Games | 0-5 | 1-4 |
| Points Per Game | 22.6 | 27.3 |
| QB Experience | Veteran Transfer | Veteran Transfer |
| Last Meeting | 2015 (WIS 58-0) | 2015 Loss |
The Lean
Model Projection: Wisconsin 31, Miami (OH) 17
Pick: Wisconsin -17.5
Total Lean: Under 53.5
Wisconsin is stronger up front and has the better overall roster. While Miami’s Finn is a dynamic player, the RedHawks’ inconsistency may be too much to overcome against a focused Badgers squad eager to bounce back. Expect a controlled, workmanlike Wisconsin victory.
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