Time for a Badger Breakout?

One year ago in Provo, the usual assortment of big and brawny Wisconsin Badgers steamrolled into town and absolutely flattened the locals to a 40-6 tune.

Without doubt, BYU would like nothing better than to return the favor this weekend.

However, their 1-1 record against so-so Pac-12 teams -- Arizona and California -- doesn't bode well for their visit to Camp Randall. Bovada has the Cougars at -8.

 

What's more, the Badgers get WR Danny Davis back after a two-game suspension. He'll join AJ Taylor and Kendric Pryor as the receiving corps that finished strong for Wisconsin last season.

Toss in RB Jonathan Taylor, who was strong last season and has run over two cupcakes this season, and the Badgers look to be ready for a test against stronger opposition.

If only. BYU's defense has had issued getting off the field in their first two games.

It's been a typical Badger buildup to Big Ten East play, where they're favored again to make it to the title game.

Frankly, that could be a challenge. Dudes are on the road to face Iowa, Michigan, and Penn State. Thus, they've gotta be firing on all cylinders sooner rather than later.

 

So far this season, Tanner Mangum has managed to stay in one piece.

However, the 25-year-old slinger hasn't managed to capture the magic he bottled in years past when he was healthy.

Back in 2015, dude Hail Mary'd Nebraska:

 

Then, right after that, he did it again against Boise State:

 

Look for the Badgers to ground and pound, with Alex Hornibrook and his receivers keeping the Cougars honest. Mangum's history says he's due for a turnover or two. If so, it'll make a long day even longer for BYU.

ATS Pick: Wisconsin -8

Result:  BYU 24 Wisconsin 21 ... Cougars cover

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Sportbet Columnist: Josh Bailey

Aspiring to become the Mark Twain of sports writing, Josh has been labelled as the up-&-coming sports writer of the year by absolutely nobody and the new heavy hitter in sports handicapping by his mother.