Wisconsin vs Western Michigan prediction & betting tips - August 30 | College Football Week 1

The Wisconsin Badgers will open their 2024 season against the Western Michigan Broncos on Friday. The game will kick off from Camp Randall at 9 p.m. ET.

Last year, the Badgers went 7-6. They played the ReliaQuest Bowl against the LSU Tigers and lost 35-31. Western Michigan had a 4-8 record last year and won three games against their fellow MAC opponents.

Wisconsin vs Western Michigan prediction

For the first time since the 2016 season, the Wisconsin Badgers are starting the season outside the top 25. The Badgers lost key defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. (who had 29 tackles and three sacks last season) to a season-ending injury.

Additionally, a new quarterback will debut for Wisconsin. Tyler Van Dyke transferred to Wisconsin from the Miami Hurricanes.

There is a change in Western Michigan as well. They have replaced both their offensive and defensive coordinators, as well as their special team coordinator. Whether this can help quarterback Hayden Wolff will not be properly seen until the Broncos start conference play.

The betting line for this game makes the Badgers a 23.5-point favorite.

Wisconsin vs Western Michigan betting tip

Tip 1: Wisconsin Badgers -23.5 (-120)

Tip 2: Over 56.5 points scored (-108)

Tip 3: Tawee Walker to score a touchdown at any point in the game (-160)

Wisconsin vs Western Michigan head-to-head

The Wisconsin Badgers and the Western Michigan Broncos have met five times.

The Badgers have a 4-1 lead in the series, with the Broncos only victory coming in 1988.

Interestingly, all the regular season encounters between the teams have been played in Wisconsin, and today's matchup is no exception.

These teams last met in the postseason, at the 2017 Cotton Bowl. Wisconsin won this game 24-16.

How can I watch Wisconsin vs. Western Michigan?

The game between the Badgers and Broncos will be televised on FS1. The game is also available to stream on the Fox Sports App.

Additionally, FuboTV is one of the numerous streaming services that can be used to watch the game.