Game Details:
- Matchup: Wisconsin Badgers vs. BYU Cougars
- Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
- Time: 4:00 PM EST
- Venue: Salt Lake City, Utah
- TV: Peacock
- Betting Lines: BYU -5.5, Over/Under 160.5
Game Outlook
A fascinating non-conference clash of styles is set for Salt Lake City as the Wisconsin Badgers of the Big Ten travel to take on the high-flying No. 9 BYU Cougars of the Big 12. This neutral-site game, taking place in BYU’s home state, pits Wisconsin’s traditionally methodical and defensive-minded approach against a potent Cougars team expected to light up the scoreboard.
The Badgers enter this matchup with a clean bill of health, according to the provided search results. While there have been numerous injury reports concerning Wisconsin’s football program throughout their season (Badger of Honor, Badgers Wire), the basketball team appears to be at full strength for this early-season test.
BYU, meanwhile, comes in with high expectations as a top-10 team. The Cougars are now firmly established in the competitive Big 12 Conference (uhcougars.com). The last significant basketball injury noted in the search results was from the previous season, when freshman forward Kanon Catchings suffered a knee injury in March 2025 (Badgers Wire). With that injury now well in the past, BYU looks poised to leverage its offensive firepower in a game where oddsmakers have set a high total of 160.5 points.
Key Factors & Prediction
The central question of this game is tempo. Wisconsin’s success often hinges on its ability to control the clock, limit possessions, and win with disciplined, half-court execution. For the Badgers to pull off the upset, they must turn this game into a grind.
For No. 9 BYU, the goal will be the exact opposite. Playing in a friendly Utah environment, the Cougars will look to push the pace, create transition opportunities, and overwhelm the Badgers with offensive pressure. The 5.5-point spread suggests that while BYU is the clear favorite, Wisconsin is respected enough to keep the game competitive.
Ultimately, the combination of BYU’s ranking, its explosive style, and the home-state advantage is too much to ignore. Wisconsin will struggle to impose its will on the road against a top-tier opponent comfortable playing at a high speed. Expect the Cougars to find enough rhythm to pull away and secure the victory and cover. With BYU likely dictating the pace, the game has a strong chance of becoming the high-scoring affair the total suggests.
Prediction: BYU 84, Wisconsin 74
The Pick: BYU -5.5
The Total: Over 160.5
Sources:
Injury and Violence Prevention Program | Wisconsin Department of …
Oregon Ducks, Wisconsin Injury Report: Jordan Burch, Tez Johnson …
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