The Wisconsin Badgers are favored at the best sportsbooks against the Western Michigan Broncos in the Cotton Bowl on January 2nd. The Broncos went unbeaten at 13-0 this season but because they play in a weak conference they were not given any consideration for the College Football Playoff. The Broncos will have to settle for the Cotton Bowl and they are not getting much respect from the top sportsbooks as they are listed as 8-point underdogs to Wisconsin. Let’s look at the contest and Cotton Bowl picks.
The Broncos play the Badgers in the Cotton Bowl on Monday, January 2nd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on ESPN.
Cotton Bowl Odds at Sports Betting Sites for US Players
Wisconsin -8, total 52.5
Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin
Just how good is Western Michigan? They went 13-0 and made a big bowl game but now they have to face a tough Wisconsin team. Western Michigan rolled through the MAC led by an offense that averaged 43.5 points per betting game. The defense was solid as they allowed just 19.5 points per game. Forcing turnovers was the key as Western Michigan was +19. They have a big time defensive end in Keion Adams who had 7.5 sacks.
The Broncos on offense are led by Zach Terrell who threw for 3,376 yards and 32 touchdowns. Western Michigan also has a top wide receiver in Corey Davis who had 18 TDs.
Wisconsin had a chance to play in the Rose Bowl but blew a big lead to Penn State. Now they have to regroup and not overlook Western Michigan. The Badgers have a potent running game led by Corey Clement and they will be getting Alex Hornibrook back at quarterback after he missed the game against Penn State.
The Badgers are loaded on defense as they were first in the Big Ten against the run. They have an excellent front and great linebackers. The key for Wisconsin will be the secondary as they look to contain the Broncos, especially Corey Davis who is a very good receiver.
Game Notes
These teams have met four times previously with the Badgers winning three of the four. The Broncos are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. the Big Ten. The Broncos are 27-11 ATS in their last 38 games overall. The Badgers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games. The Badgers are 11-3-1 ATS in their last 15 games overall.
The Over is 10-4-1 in the Broncos last 15 non-conference games. The Under is 5-1 in the Badgers last 6 non-conference games. The Under is 5-2-1 at sports betting online sites in the Badgers last 8 games in January.
Cotton Bowl Picks
We don’t really know how good Western Michigan is so this is a tough side to call. We do know they should be able to score points and the same can be said of the Badgers. We’ll take this game over the total at sports betting sites for US players.
