As of Thursday afternoon, Arizona State is listed as six-point favorites over the University of Wisconsin.
The Odds: Arizona State (-6) Wisconsin (+6)
The Breakdown: The Sun Devils come into this weekend looking to win their way into the rankings by knocking off a Big Ten opponent. Todd Graham told the fans that his team is confident it will speak victory, but the Sun Devils cannot afford to be over-confident.
Just because Arizona State is favored to win does not mean the game will be handed to them on a silver platter. This weekend will be Gary Andersen's first real test as the head coach of Wisconsin and he cannot afford to get on his school's bad side before conference play begins.
From a betting standpoint, these might not be the best odds for Sun Devil Nation. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to see ASU in the drivers seat, but it looks like Vegas is Fearing the Fork. The reason why? Arizona State and Wisconsin opened less than a month ago as a classic "pick 'em" game before the odds were upgraded in the Sun Devils' favor. On Thursday morning, ASU sat as comfortable five and a half point favorites, but by the afternoon, the point spread increased to six points.
The uncertainty surrounding Wisconsin's talent could be affecting the spread. Yes they have not allowed a point this season, but anyone can look good against the University of Massachusetts and Tennessee Tech at home. What's working in Bucky's favor? The Badgers covered a 42.5-point spread in their 45-0 win over UMass and beat the spread again with a 48-0 win over 44.5-point underdog Tennessee Tech.
So with betters leaning on Arizona State and Wisconsin's recent history with the point spread, how do things look for the Sun Devils? They covered a 38-point spread last week against Sacramento State and have beat the spread in their last four games dating back to last season. Both teams have been Vegas darlings, but now something has to give.
This is a season-changing game for both programs considering Wisconsin's next road test is on September 28 against Ohio State and ASU travels to Palo Alto, Calif. next weekend to take on a top-five Stanford team.
BCS Implications
Heading into week three of college football, Arizona State is slated at a 1/75 chance of winning a National Championship while Wisconsin is tied with a few teams at 1/60 odds.