Wisconsin Badgers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Odds and College Football Pick

Wisconsin is 11-2 straight up and 9-4 against the spread over its last 13 road games. Iowa, on the other hand, is just 19-13 SU and 11-21 ATS over its last 32 home dates. The battle-tested Badgers continue with their Murderers' Row of a schedule when they visit Iowa City on Saturday afternoon.

Point spread: The Badgers opened as 2.5-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. Line updates and matchup report.

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 21.4-14.8 Badgers College football picks on every game.

Why the Wisconsin Badgers can cover the spread

Wisconsin has lost its last two games and yet remains ranked among the Top 10 teams in the country. Three weeks ago, following a 4-0 start to this season, the Badgers lost to Michigan at the Big House 14-7 but covered as 11-point underdogs. Then last week Wisconsin fell at home to Ohio State 30-23 in overtime, while covering as 10-point underdogs.

The Badgers led the Buckeyes 10-0 in the first quarter, 16-6 at the half and 23-20 midway through the fourth quarter. But they allowed Ohio State to kick a field goal to force overtime, then lost when they couldn't tackle Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett on a potential sack, leading to an OSU touchdown. They then couldn't punch it in on four plays from the Buckeyes' 4-yard line in the bottom of the overtime period.

On the night Wisconsin outgained and outrushed Ohio State, the first time that had been done to the Buckeyes since their loss to Michigan State last season.

The Badgers are now 2-2 SU and 4-0 ATS this year against Top 10 teams.

Why the Iowa Hawkeyes can cover the spread

With two straight wins the Hawkeyes now sit at 3-1 in Big Ten play, following last week's 49-35 victory at Purdue. Iowa bolted out to a 21-0 first-quarter lead on the Boilermakers, led 35-7 at the half and cruised from there, securing the win and the cover as an 11-point favorite when senior cornerback Desmond King returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown with just under two minutes to play.

On the day the Hawkeyes outrushed Purdue 365-47, as both Akrum Wadley and LeShun Daniels Jr. hit the century mark, and won time of possession by a 36/24 margin.

Two weeks ago Iowa won at Minnesota 14-7. The Hawkeyes outgained and outrushed the Gophers that day, and won time of possession by 10 minutes. However, they committed two turnovers inside Minnesota territory, which kept things interesting.

Smart pick

Wisconsin is coming off a tough emotional loss, while Iowa returns home following a pair of Big Ten road wins. Psychologically, the Hawkeyes probably hold an advantage. Plus, they're getting points as home 'dogs. And when 20 points might win the game it's nice to have some in your pocket at sports betting sites.

Betting trends

Wisconsin is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games against Iowa.

Iowa is 1-7 ATS in its last eight games at home.

Wisconsin is 5-0 ATS in its last five games against teams with winning records.

All college football betting lines and point spreads data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.