Wisconsin vs Rutgers prediction & betting tips - October 12 | College Football Week 7

The Wisconsin Badgers go on the road to play the Rutger Scarlet Knights on Saturday at noon EDT. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

Wisconsin (3-1, 1-1 Big Ten) is coming off a 52-6 blowout win over Purdue at home. Rutgers (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) is coming off a 14-7 road loss to Nebraska for their first loss of the season.

Wisconsin vs Rutgers: Preview

Wisconsin is a 2.5-point underdog to defeat Rutgers on the road. The over/under is set at 40.5 points.

The Badgers dominated Purdue from start to finish last week as quarterback Braedyn Locke threw for 359 yards and three touchdowns. Locke replaced Tyler van Dyke who is done for the season with an injury.

It was an impressive performance by Locke, and Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell heaped praise on his quarterback.

“That I’m impressed. I’m really happy for. Because, you know, even there’s a situation at a time where, you know, the Will [Pauling] one is a great play on their part. Will has got to come down with that ball," Fickell said, via BadgersWire.

"And the next one was a little bit behind, probably a little bit. I don’t say similar to last week because I think last week was a different situation. But I don’t know that I saw a different demeanor. I didn’t see a different body language. I didn’t see a different attitude," Fickell added.

Running back Tawee Walker also rushed for three touchdowns for his best game of the season.

On defense this season, Wisconsin has been led by Christian Alliegro and Elijah Hills who have two sacks each, while Hunter Wohler leads the team with 29 tackles.

Rutgers, meanwhile, played excellent defense against Nebraska last week but the offense faltered. The Scarlet Knights scored just seven points, and it's a game coach Greg Schiano thinks Rutgers should have won.

"Had plenty of opportunities to win the game. We have to coach better, we have to play better," Schiano said, via SI. "Haven't had this feeling since Thanksgiving weekend. Guys in that locker room are hurting.

"I tip my hat to Nebraska's defense. I thought they played really well. I don't think we made huge mistakes that cost us. It's a good defense - very big and strong."

The Scarlet Knights have been led by running back Kyle Monangai who has rushed for 667 yards and six touchdowns. On defense, Dariel Djabome leads the way with 43 tackles.

Wisconsin and Rutgers will both look to run the ball quite often, as both teams' defenses have been solid. However, the Scarlet Knights offense is a major concern as it could struggle to score points.

Although Locke will likely throw an interception or two, he also will likely lead Wisconsin to a touchdown or two with his arm. In what should be a close game, the Badgers should get a massive win, backed by the better offense.

Prediction: Wisconsin 21, Rutgers 17.

Wisconsin vs Rutgers: Betting Tips

Tip 1: Wisconsin +2.5 (-108).

Tip 2: Under 40.5 points (-108)

Tip 3: Braedyn Locke to throw an interception.