UNLV Runnin Rebels VS Wisconsin Badgers: Free Pick

UNLV Runnin Rebels @ Wisconsin Badgers
Friday Night Football, Opening Day (9-1-2011)

I think the Badgers are one of the best teams in the Nation and when Russel Wilson (North Carolina State Transfer) gets the team all the way behind him, this Badger team could be down right special. That being said, I think they’re getting too much credit for their end of season demolition on Indiana and North Western. They put up 70 on the latter and 83 on the former. Yikes. But that’s not going to happen in Game 1.

What did the Badgers lose and why can’t they continue their assault at a pace that high? Don’t get me wrong, the Badgers are a legit contender for a Big 10 crown and should be in the National Championship talk, but losing half your starters on defense and offense won’t make for the easiest transition from last season. I thin Wilson is much more talented than Scott Tolzien was, but Tolzien knew the offense inside and out and there’s something to be said about that. Losing a key running back and two NFL caliber offensive lineman won’t help on the scoring front either.

It’s early in the season and defense has an advantage on offense out of the gates, I think 7+ touchdowns is too much to give up and therefor, despite the Rebels’ youth and their struggles to both score and stop opponents from scoring last year, I have to take them +36.

UNLV Runnin Rebels (+36) @ Wisconsin Badgers