Game Details:
Matchup: Wisconsin Badgers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
Date & Time: Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 8:00 PM EST
Venue: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Betting Line: Alabama -9.5 | Over/Under: 52.5
Key Storylines
Top 25 Showdown in Tuscaloosa
It’s an early-season marquee clash as Wisconsin travels to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama in a battle between two storied programs aiming for College Football Playoff consideration. Both teams enter this Week 3 matchup undefeated, with Alabama ranked #5 and Wisconsin #15 in the AP Poll.
Fresh-Face Quarterbacks
Alabama has started the 2025 season strong behind sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin, who has thrown for 478 yards and 5 touchdowns through two games. Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s Tanner Mordecai replacement, redshirt freshman Max Lockwood, has held his own with 510 passing yards and 4 touchdowns, though he’ll face his toughest test yet against Alabama’s elite defense.
Defense Wins Championships
Alabama’s defense, led by edge rusher Keon Keeley and linebacker Jihaad Campbell, is allowing just 13.5 points per game and looks as fast and physical as ever. Wisconsin, meanwhile, has quietly assembled a stout front seven that leads the Big Ten in rushing yards allowed (62.0 ypg).
Injury Report
Wisconsin:
RB Chez Mellusi – Questionable (ankle)
CB Ricardo Hallman – Probable (hamstring)
Alabama:
WR Kendrick Law – Out (shoulder)
OG Tyler Booker – Questionable (foot)
Betting Trends
- Wisconsin is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 non-conference games
- Alabama is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games as a home favorite
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Alabama’s last 7 games
- Wisconsin is 5-2 to the OVER in its last 7 road games
Player Props to Watch
Julian Sayin (Alabama) – Passing Yards: 255.5
Sayin’s efficiency has been a bright spot. With Wisconsin likely to stack the box, the passing game could open up. The OVER could be worth a look.
Braelon Allen (Wisconsin) – Rushing Yards: 92.5
Allen faces one of the top rush defenses in the country. The UNDER might be the safer side unless Wisconsin’s O-line dominates at the point of attack.
Prediction & Best Bets
Spread: Alabama -9.5 → The Tide’s defense and home crowd should give them the edge. While Wisconsin will compete, Alabama’s speed could overwhelm late.
Total: Under 52.5 → Expect a physical game with both defenses stepping up. Red zone stops may keep the scoring modest.
Player Prop: Julian Sayin OVER 255.5 passing yards → Efficient and poised, he has the weapons to test the Badgers secondary deep.
Final Score Prediction: Alabama 27, Wisconsin 17