The Western Michigan Broncos are set to take on the Wisconsin Badgers in their season opener. The matchup is scheduled for Friday, August 30, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Fans can watch the game live on Fox Sports 1 or stream it via fuboTV, which offers a free trial with potential regional restrictions.
Both teams enter the season with identical 0-0 records. Last year, Wisconsin finished with a 7-5 record, while Western Michigan struggled with a 4-8 record. The upcoming game is anticipated to hinge on each team’s ability to score passing touchdowns, an area where both teams had difficulties last season; Wisconsin was ranked 106th nationally with just 11 passing touchdowns, while Western Michigan ranked 112th with 13.
Wisconsin is heavily favored, with a 24-point spread against Western Michigan. The Badgers had a respectable record against the spread last season, finishing 5-6-1, and proved to be competitive when favored, going 7-4 in that situation. Conversely, Western Michigan will look to overcome a tough streak, as they were 0-8 as underdogs last season.
The odds for the game reflect Wisconsin’s favor, maintaining a constant 24-point spread since opening. Additionally, the over/under is set at 56.5 points.
In terms of team reports, Wisconsin will enter the game missing several players due to injuries, including James Thompson Jr., Quincy Burroughs, and Rob Booker II. The injury report for Western Michigan has not been detailed at this time.
In past encounters, Wisconsin has won the only game against Western Michigan in the past seven years, a matchup that took place on January 2, 2017, where Wisconsin emerged victorious with a score of 24-16.