Michigan Wolverines vs Wisconsin Badgers: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI

When: Saturday, September 21st at 12pm EST.

How (TV): FOX, Big Ten Network

Michigan Wolverines (Away)

.@CoachJim4UM has a 4-0 mark in conference openers as U-M’s head coach.

MICHIGAN MONDAY » https://t.co/D8rUHV2Lt7#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/lZ8nHfn5uy

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) September 16, 2019

Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh {All-Time: 69-35 | STAN, MICH}

Regular Season Record: 2-0

After a season filled with championship aspirations, the Michigan Wolverines have done little to convince their fans that they are playoff worthy despite remaining undefeated. The Wolverines will be under immense pressure to perform as they take on the Badgers in a tough environment.

Michigan almost had their season ruined two weeks ago when Army visited the Big House. The Wolverines managed to escape with a 24-21 double-overtime win over the Black Knights, much like last season’s Oklahoma-Army game. The Wolverines hurt themselves with fumbles, coughing up the ball three times, with quarterback Shea Patterson guilty of two of those fumbles.

Michigan also allowed Army to stick around by committing nine penalties for 58 yards. On a positive note, the Wolverines were able to limit West Point’s triple-option run game to 200 rushing yards, a relatively low number for that type of offense.

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Jonathan Taylor & the Badgers did not play yesterday.

Jonathan Taylor is STILL the only player in the country to have scored 8 touchdowns this season.#JT23 || #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/bpQn1SdTIe

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) September 15, 2019

Head Coach: Paul Chryst {All-Time: 63-31 | PITT, WIS}

Regular Season Record: 2-0

Unlike their upcoming opponent, the Wisconsin Badgers have taken care of business when faced with a tame schedule. Through two games, coach Chryst’s team has yet to surrender a single point, while averaging 55 points per game with blow out wins over South Florida and Central Michigan. How the Badgers perform against Michigan should help determine whether or not Wisconsin belongs in the College Football Playoff discussion.

Wisconsin is led once again by star running back Jonathan Taylor, who is putting together a solid Heisman resume with 237 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns already. Junior quarterback Jack Coan has been reliable, completing 76% of his passes with five touchdown throws, keeping heralded recruit Graham Mertz on the sidelines for the time being.

The Badgers have managed to plow through their competition despite having lost five players to season-ending injuries so early in the season. Among those done for the season include tight ends Zander Neuville and Gabe Lloyd, along with starting safety Scott Nelson.

Michigan vs Wisconsin All-Time Series

In a rivalry that dates back to 1892, these two schools have met 67 times overall, with Michigan dominating the series 51-15-1. The series has been more evenly matched this decade, however, with each team trading wins in four meetings since 2010. The last time the Badgers and Wolverines faced off was last season with both teams holding similar rankings as this year.

Michigan would wind up handily beating Wisconsin 38-13 in The Big House, behind a rushing attack that went off for 320 yards on the ground. Running back Karan Higdon led the way with 105 rushing yards and a score, while Shea Patterson ran for 90 yards and a touchdown. Cornerback Lavert Hill, then a junior, added a pick-six off of former Badgers quarterback Alex Hornibrook.

Michigan Roster Notes

Redshirt senior offensive tackle Jon Runyan Jr. missed Michigan’s previous game with an undisclosed injury but is expected to be available against Wisconsin.

Junior wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones is no longer wearing a walking boot on his injured leg but is still listed as questionable.

Senior defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Senior running back Tru Wilson is listed as questionable with a wrist injury suffered in the season opener against Middle Tennessee State.

Senior wide receiver Chris Evans is suspended for the season due to an academic issue and is not currently enrolled at the university.

Wisconsin Roster Notes

Redshirt senior linebacker Chris Orr is listed as probable with an ankle injury.

Sophomore nose tackle Bryson Williams is listed as out against Michigan with a left leg injury.

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Izayah Green-May is listed as probable as he recovers from an arm injury that forced him to miss the Central Michigan game.

Redshirt sophomore right tackle Logan Bruss is listed as probable and expected to start after dealing with a leg injury.

Senior tight end Luke Benzschawel is listed as doubtful with a knee injury during training camp.

Head-to-Head: Jon Runyan Jr. (MICH) vs Zack Baun (WIS)

Given the talent on each side, there are plenty of matchups that can be analyzed. With that being said, the one to focus on in Saturday’s game is between two fifth-year seniors who have worked their way towards earning starting roles, as Michigan’s Jon Runyan Jr. will be tasked with neutralizing Wisconsin’s Zack Baun.

Jon Runyan Jr.

Left Tackle | 6-5, 321lb | St. Joseph’s Prep | Moorestown, NJ | Redshirt Senior

Stats: 17 Career Starts

Although he may be more well known as the son of former NFL lineman and congressman Jon Runyan Sr., the Runyan Jr. has put together a solid career in Ann Arbor after starting out as a special teamer. A versatile lineman who can play multiple positions on the line, Runyan Jr. has a full season starting at the blindside under his belt, playing well enough to earn All-Big Ten honors. If the New Jersey native can keep Patterson’s jersey clean, he could be the deciding factor in this game.

Zack Baun

Outside Linebacker | 6-3, 236lb | Brown Deer HS | Brown Deer, WI | Redshirt Senior

Like Runyan, Zack Baun has taken a long road to becoming an everyday starter in Madison. After redshirting in 2015 and getting limited playing time as a reserve the following season, Baun hit a roadblock in 2017 with a foot injury that kept him out of action that whole year. His redshirt junior campaign provided a glimpse of what he can contribute, with his 7.5 TFL’s highlighting his ability to evade blockers and wreak havoc in opposing backfields. As Wisconsin’s top pass rusher through two games, it should not surprise anyone if Baun puts up impressive sack numbers going forward.

Michigan at Wisconsin – Predictions and Odds

The latest odds for Michigan vs Wisconsin are provided by 888Sport NJ, DraftKings, and Unibet NJ.

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