As the holiday season comes to an end, the Wisconsin Badgers look to face off against a 2-13 opponent in the Cougars of Chicago State on Wednesday, December 27th. Although the matchup doesn’t seem too enticing, Wisconsin has struggled mightily this season, sitting at a 6-7 record so far.

On the other hand, the Cougars have struggled even more, losing nine straight games, including a 65-point loss to another Big Ten team, Northwestern.

Game of the Day

-Chicago State Cougars vs Wisconsin Badgers

• Time/TV: 9:00PM ET - ESPNU
• ESPN Spread: Wisconsin (-29.5)

The Badgers have played well of late, winning their past two games against Western Kentucky (WKU) and Green Bay (GB), while averaging 81 points-per-game. What some don’t notice however, is that Wisconsin only managed to beat WKU by one at home. Tonight, they face an opponent that lacks much more in overall talent than WKU in Chicago State.

Chicago State on the season is 2-13, while going 0-10 on the road and averaging a mere 66.8 points-per-game. The Cougars do have a double-digit scorer in Fred Sims Jr., who averages 14.1 points-per-game but shoots a poor 28 percent from behind the arc. Khalil Iverson, Wisconsin’s starting point guard, should defend him well.

Although the Badgers aren’t as good as they usually are, this team should not be taken lightly. Losses to Temple University and Marquette University should worry fans a little bit, but Wisconsin is still one of the better teams in the Big Ten heading into conference season. Chicago State shouldn’t be a threat tonight against the Wisconsin Badgers.

• Pick Against the Spread: Wisconsin