Badger Bits: Wisconsin Opens as Betting Favorite Over Ohio State

Apparently Las Vegas oddsmakers are way more superstitious than I ever imagined. Via Land-Grant Holy Land, Wisconsin opened as a 1-point favorite over Ohio State for this Saturday's clash at Camp Randall. Some sports books even gave the Buckeyes as many as 2.5 points. I love the Badgers, but this all seems slightly out-of-whack for a team down to its formerly gimpy, third-string quarterback.

Is there some assumption about Buckeye dreams coming to Madison to die playing into the point spread here? Ohio State has won four of the last five in the series, but their one loss was a stunner. Ranked No. 1 in both polls, the Buckeyes fell 31-18 to the Badgers at Camp Randall in 2010. David Gilreath ran back the opening kickoff, John Clay ran for 100-plus and two touchdowns, and there was much rejoicing.

I'm shocked that Vegas would react that sharply to an Indiana beatdown, but then again their business model has worked pretty well to date. I'd expect the line to move back into the Buckeyes' favor as bettors show the undefeated squad its due. Here's hoping that there really is no outsmarting the house.

Monday's Links:

Wisconsin basketball completed 2013 recruiting with the addition of 6'7 forward Nigel Hayes.

The frontcourt dominated in the season opener, but the guards also proved they could be a solid defensive group even without Josh Gasser.

Mike Bruesewitz returned, and performed very well in 13 minutes off the bench.

Curt Phillips being happy makes me happy. THEY'RE JUST KIDS OUT THERE, YOU GUYS.

Badger Roundtable is upset Phillips didn't throw more, and thinks Ohio State is pretty good.

You'll be happy to know that Wisconsin won't be throwing the game against Ohio State.

ESPN's Big Ten bowl projections bump Wisconsin up to the Outback Bowl.

Wrapping up: Week 11 in Twitter. Lots of Alabama vs. Mr. Football, naturally.