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It will be a showdown between the fast-paced offense of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and the ball-control style of the Wisconsin Badgers when the teams square off in the 2020 Duke's Mayo Bowl on Wednesday in Charlotte, N.C. The Demon Deacons (4-4) are scoring 37 points per game behind quarterback Sam Hartman, and the defense can make big plays. The Badgers (3-3) count on the running game and a defense that is among the best in the nation. Both teams have been affected by the pandemic, with some of Wake's top players opting out and Wisconsin facing positive tests and cancellations. 

Kickoff from Bank of America Stadium is set for noon ET. The Badgers are a 9.5-point favorite in William Hill Sportsbook's latest Wake Forest vs. Wisconsin odds, and the over-under for total points scored is 51.5. Before you lock in any Wisconsin vs. Wake Forest picks, check out the college football predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Over the past four-plus years, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of over $3,500 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. It enters bowl season a sizzling 56-36 on all top-rated picks, returning over $400. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Wisconsin vs. Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl 2020. You can visit SportsLine now to see the picks. Here are the college football odds and trends for Wake Forest vs. Wisconsin:

  • Wake Forest vs. Wisconsin: Badgers -9.5
  • Wake Forest vs. Wisconsin over-under: 51.5
  • Wake Forest vs. Wisconsin money line: Badgers -380, Demon Deacons +300
  • WF: WR Jaquarii Roberson had at least 125 receiving yards in four of his past five games.
  • WIS: RB Jalen Berger had 15 carries in each of his three starts and ran for at least 87 yards. 

Why Wisconsin can cover

Wisconsin is 4-1 against the spread in its last five non-conference games, and its defense is one of the best in the nation. It ranks first in FBS in total yards, allowing 263.5 yards per game, and is sixth in scoring, with opponents averaging just 15.7 points. Linebackers Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal are the catalysts, combining for 76 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles. End Isaiahh Loudermilk (two sacks) is an imposing presence up front at 6-foot-7, 293 pounds.

The Badgers, who are 4-1 ATS in their last five against ACC teams, rely on the running game and lead the nation in time of possession. Running back Garrett Groshek ran for 154 yards and a touchdown in the finale against Minnesota, and Jalen Berger led the team with 267 yards, averaging 5.9 per carry, in just three games after testing positive for COVID-19. The Badgers have one of the nation's best offensive lines, and they rush for 171.7 yards per game.     

Why Wake Forest can cover

Wake Forest is 5-2 against the spread in its last seven bowl games, and Hartman has the weapons to do damage. Top receiver Sage Surratt opted out before the season, but Jaquarii Roberson has stepped up to post 795 yards and five touchdowns on 53 catches. Donavon Greene averages 20 yards on his 23 receptions, and Taylor Morin has 27 catches and three TDs. Running back Christian Beal-Smith provides balance, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

Hartman has more than 1,900 passing yards and 20 TD passes against just one interception for the Demon Deacons, who are 6-2 ATS in their last eight as an underdog. The defense is led by linebacker Ja'Cquez Williams (team-high 62 tackles, two sacks), and Miles Fox (3.5 sacks) and Ja'Corey Johns (two) apply the pressure. Cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor (two interceptions) leads a young secondary that includes freshman cornerback Nick Andersen (three picks). 

How to make Wisconsin vs. Wake Forest picks

SportsLine's model is leaning under on the total, suggesting the teams will combine for fewer than 50 points and turnovers will play a role. It also says one side of the spread is hitting in over 50 percent of the simulations. You can only get the pick at SportsLine. 

So who wins Wake Forest vs. Wisconsin? And which side of the spread hits over 50 percent of the time? Visit SportsLine right now to see which side of the Wisconsin vs. Wake Forest spread to back, all from the advanced model on a 56-36 run on its top-rated college football picks this season.