Guaranteed Rate Bowl Betting Odds: Oklahoma St. vs Wisconsin

The Guaranteed Rate Bowl pits a couple of teams that had disappointing seasons by their standards in Oklahoma State and Wisconsin. Both teams are expected to be without their starting quarterbacks, who have entered the transfer portal. That could be why there hasn’t been much movement on the point spread.

Game Information

Point Spread Has Remained Steady

The Guaranteed Rate Bowl betting odds saw the Badgers open as 3.5-point favorites and the line quickly dropped to Wisconsin -3. The two teams are pretty even, as the Sagarin college football ratings have them separated by .59 points. But the Cowboys are expected to miss QB Spencer Sanders, leading rusher Dominic Richardson and leading tackler Mason Cobb more than the Badgers miss QB Graham Mertz.

The Guaranteed Rate Bowl betting odds on the total have seen the number drop from 48.5 down to its current 43. That’s to be expected in a game that looks as though it will be a battle of the backup quarterbacks. The Oklahoma State backup QBs have been anything but impressive when they’ve played. But at least they’ve played which is more than can be said for Wisconsin’s quarterbacks.

The Oklahoma State vs Wisconsin odds on the moneyline have the Badgers -150. That’s in line with a 3-point favorite. It could be a good option for those liking the Badgers but not thrilled with laying points in this spot.

Oklahoma State Cowboys

The Cowboys come limping into this game, losing five of their last seven games. After defeating Texas on Oct. 22, Oklahoma State looked like a candidate for a New Year’s Day bowl game. Then the Cowboys lost four of their last five games. Oklahoma State lost to Kansas and Kansas State in back-to-back weekends by a combined 85-16 score.

Without Sanders, Oklahoma State will have to count on Garret Rangel, who made two starts but wasn’t impressive. He was 45 for 84 for 482 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Gunnar Gundy had three TD passes and four interceptions in just 39 attempts. He made things happen, both good and bad.

If the Cowboys have to rely on their running game, they could be in big trouble. Richardson and Sanders accounted for 16 of the team’s 20 rushing scores this NCAAF season and were 1-2 in running the ball. Sanders’ feet will also be missed along with his arm. Ollie Gordon played well with limited carries but is capable of having a decent game.

Defensively, Oklahoma State is average. The team allowed 29.3 points per game but their foes averaged 29.3 points on offense. So the Cowboys may not be as bad as it appears at first glance. The rushing defense allowed 4.6 yards to teams that averaged 4.6 yards per carry, which may not be ideal against Wisconsin. The Cowboys did struggle away from home, allowing 36.2 points per game.

Wisconsin Badgers

The Badgers expected to finish better than 6-6 and 5-7 against the NCAAF point spreads this season. But four losses as favorites pretty much did them in. Wisconsin isn’t a bad team, which is why the Guaranteed Rate Bowl betting odds have them favored. But they can’t be considered a very good team, either. Still, Wisconsin averaged 26.5 points against teams that allowed 23 and allowed 20.5 to teams that averaged 23.9.

Mertz is a better quarterback than he gets credit for and the college football team‘s other quarterbacks attempted just 11 passes this season. Fortunately the Badgers can run the ball and they may need to here. It’s not a stretch to think whoever plays for Wisconsin will benefit from some extra practice reps. The Badgers haven’t named a starter yet.

Braelon Allen was the team’s main running back, with 1,126 yards and 10 TDs. Several other backs were solid contributors, so the Badgers should be in good shape in the backfield.

But the men who clear the way for the running backs will be missing a few bodies. Center Joe Tippmann and guard Tyler Beach will miss the game. The status of guard/tackle Trey Wedig is unknown.

The Badgers will be missing a few people defensively, as well. While not marquee names like a starting quarterback, their losses will be felt. Cornerbacks Justin Clark and Jay Shaw, along with nose tackle Keeanu Benton and linebacker Nick Herbig are expected to miss the game. Herbig led the team with 11 sacks

Can Badgers Run to Victory?

The Guaranteed Rate Bowl betting odds suggest a close game and it’s hard to disagree with that premise. Both teams are going to be missing some key college football players. The team that adjusts the best is likely the team which wins the game.

The Badgers are likely going to come out and run the ball. That’s what they do best and the Cowboys weren’t great at stopping the run. Missing a few linemen could hurt the Badgers a bit but probably not enough to stop their rushing attack.

With the Guaranteed Rate Bowl betting odds holding at Badgers -3, Wisconsin appears to be the right side.
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