NCAA football betting players have listened all season to the great debate: do non-AQ (automatic qualifiers) teams belong in the same category as AQ teams? This year, we get a matchup that will be a huge statement in that debate as Wisconsin will go against TCU in the “Granddaddy of Them All”, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The Horned Frogs were left out of the national-title party, and this is their chance to step up for non-AQ teams everywhere (before they head off to the Big East).
Wisconsin TCU Betting – January 1st, 5:00 PM ET
The No.5 Badgers (11-1) fell just once, on October 2nd by 10 points at Michigan State, and that led them back to Pasadena for the first time since 2000. The Badgers offense was out of control down the stretch, averaging 67 points over their last three games, and they’re doing it on the strength of the No.12 rushing attack in the nation. The star of the show, John Clay, has missed the last few games and will likely be back for the Rose Bowl. UFC betting players may think they’re getting ready to watch a battle in the octagon, because the Badgers aren’t fancy, they step up and punch you in the mouth.
Only twice did the No.3 Horned Frogs (12-0) fail to beat an opponent by double digits, and only four opponents managed to reach double digits against TCU, who could end up with their fifth No.1 ranking in total defense in the last 10 years. But the offense caught up to the defense, coming in ninth in total offense and fourth in points scored. In fact, the Badgers and Horned Frogs are tied for fourth in the nation in points scored.
Your pay per head sportsbook has the Horned Frogs favored by a field goal in this massive game, and these two programs have never met. Wisconsin is 3-3 in their all-time Rose Bowl record, while TCU is looking to bounce back from a loss to Boise State in last year’s Fiesta Bowl, their debut appearance in a BCS bowl. This game will be won and lost at the line of scrimmage, as Wisconsin looks to impose its will, and their power running game, while the Horned Frogs have to protect Andy Dalton and their aerial attack. We’re going to take Wisconsin because of their running game, but it’s not going to be a blowout; in fact, it’ll likely be decided by a field goal in what could be the most exciting game of the bowl season. It won’t be a high-scoring affair, so take the under on the posted total of 58.5.
BSN Sports pick: Wisconsin +3
