Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Wisconsin Badgers Predictions

Freshman Quarterback Expected to Start

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Yahoo Sports reported that Wisconsin freshman Ryan Hopkins is expected to start against Rutgers. Colton Joseph started the first eight games but has been dealing with an injury. Joseph wasn’t listed on Wisconsin’s first two Big Ten availability reports, so he hadn’t been ruled out.

Hopkins could also play without two important blockers. Starting tackle Kevin Heywood is out with a lower-body injury, while guard Barrett Nelson is doubtful. Those absences make Wisconsin’s -19.5 spread difficult to back with an inexperienced quarterback.

Rutgers Also Has Major Absences

Rutgers ruled out quarterback Dylan Lonergan, receiver KJ Duff and offensive linemen Kwabena Asamoah and Tyler Needham. The Scarlet Knights also listed six players as questionable, including receiver Dyzier Carter and kicker Dane Pizzaro. Those losses help explain why Wisconsin is the likely winner despite its own uncertainty.

Betting Outlook

Wisconsin is -1050 on the moneyline, while Rutgers is +675. The Badgers should win, but that price offers little return while Hopkins’ expected start and Wisconsin’s offensive line absences create uncertainty. Rutgers’ personnel losses don’t provide a sound reason to take the underdog or its +19.5 spread.

The total is 45.5, but the available evidence doesn’t establish how either offense has performed this season. The final availability report was due two hours before the 3:15 p.m. CT kickoff. With no confirmed Wisconsin starter and no reliable statistical case for the spread or total, the betting lean is Pass.