Wisconsin Badgers vs Arizona State Sun Devils 2021 Las Vegas Bowl

It is our final bowl preview for Thursday, December 30, as we offer our Wisconsin vs Arizona State prediction for the 2021 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl. The Wisconsin Badgers (8-4) were 6-3 in the Big Ten, as they tied for second in the West with Minnesota and Purdue. Over their last five games, the Badgers went 4-1 with their one loss being to the Golden Gophers in the final contest of the season. In the Pac-12 South, the Arizona State Sun Devils (8-4) won six and lost three. The Sun Devils finished tied with UCLA for second in the division. They come to this bowl having won three of their last five regular-season games.

Las Vegas Bowl Spread and Totals Odds

We have Arizona State as the underdog at +6.5 (-107). On the other hand, Wisconsin is favored at -6.5 (-113). The total comes in at a low 41.0 The over is -109 and under -107. The 2021 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl will be played at Allegiant Stadium which is located in Paradise, NV. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 pm ET. The game is on ESPN.

Badgers vs Sun Devils Pick - Stats

In our Wisconsin vs Arizona State prediction, the Sun Devils are out scoring the Badgers 29.7-to-25.8 PPG. However, in terms of defensive points, Wisconsin is better, allowing just 16.4 PPG to Arizona State’s 20.9. Both teams utilize the rush a lot, as Wisconsin is averaging 215.4 ground YPG and ASU 204.5. The Sun Devils are passing for 197.6 YPG while Wisconsin is recording 162.1.

Concerning defensive yards, the Badgers dominate the Sun Devils, as they’re allowing just 240.8 YPG while ASU is permitting 329.1. Arizona State’s rushing game will be greatly challenged, as the Badgers are holding teams to only 65.2 ground YPG. They are also keeping opponent passing games in check. The Badgers are allowing merely 175.6 YPG. The Sun Devils are giving up 199.7 passing and 129.4 rushing yards per game.

Wisconsin vs Arizona State Prediction - Key Players

The Badgers will be missing safety Collin Wilde due to injury. Overall, their roster is in good shape. However, Arizona State will be without two of its top backs, Rachaad White, who is entering the NFL Draft, and Deamonte Trayanum, who has entered the transfer portal. Together this season, they accumulated more than 1,400 yards and combined for 21 touchdowns. In addition, Sun Devil cornerbacks Chase Lucas and Jack Jones and linebacker Darien Butler have also opted out.

All of the above ASU losses help the Badgers. The Wisconsin rush attack is anchored by Braelon Allen (1,109 YDs, 7.1 AVG, 12 TDs) and Chez Mellusi (815 YDs, 4.7 AVG, 5 TDs). Both are capable of breaking a long run at any time. Three pass catchers, with a total of 106 receptions, have combined for seven scores. QB Graham Mertz has had issues regarding decision-making and accuracy, as he’s tossed 10 INTs and just nine TDs. He’s been sacked 11 times. On defense, the Badgers have totaled 32 sacks, 15 interceptions, and two pick sixes. Corner Caesar Williams has recorded five PD and three INTs while corner Faion Hicks has defended eight passes. Finally, LB Leo Chenal (87 TCKLs, 7 SCKs, 2 FF) leads the Badgers in tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles.

Arizona State QB Jayden Daniels comes to this contest with 10 TD passes and nine picks. He’s been sacked 21 times. However, Daniels has rushed for six scores. Four players have 20 or more catches. Wideout Ricky Pearsall tops the team with 44 catches, 515 yards, and four scores. Premium pass defenders include LB Merlin Robertson and DBs DeAndre Pierce and Jack Jones. The trio has totalled 11 PD and eight picks. On the line, Tyler Johnson has recorded four sacks and three PD.

Wisconsin vs Arizona State Prediction

With a close-to-full Wisconsin roster and a depleted ASU roster, we like the Badgers. Our pick is Wisconsin at -6.5 (-113). Also, our Wisconsin vs Arizona State prediction for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl finds that scoring will likely be at a minimum. We’re projecting a final score of 27-14. With that in mind, we’re taking under 41.0 (-107).

Sports Betting Smarts is previewing and predicting every one of this season’s 41 college football bowl games. In the first two weeks, we went 22-10 (69%).

2021 Las Vegas Bowl - Wisconsin vs Arizona State Summary

Spread - Wisconsin -6.5 (-113)

Over/Under - Under 41.0 (-107)