The Nebraska Cornhuskers are set to face the Wisconsin Badgers this weekend. Check out our college football odds series, which includes our Nebraska-Wisconsin prediction, odds, and pick.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are 3-7, and yet after their most recent game, there is a greater sense that this team isn't in a rock-bottom position. Rock-bottom for Nebraska this year, quite frankly, was the Week Zero loss to Illinois, maybe the loss to Purdue. Yet, Purdue has shown how good a team it is, beating Iowa on the road and Michigan State at home.

People who study college football odds know that Nebraska has a terrible record but not a terrible team. Scott Frost has never lost the locker room. His players have continued to play hard for him, and Nebraska has a legitimately solid defense — not incredible or dominant, but entirely respectable. Ohio State couldn't score 30 on the Huskers. Michigan State's offense, which scored 37 against Michigan, struggled against the Huskers.

If you are thinking about a Nebraska Wisconsin pick, realize that Nebraska has lost by fewer than 10 points in every game this season, and only once by nine points, meaning that every other NU loss was by one score. Yes, it does feel like an insult or sunshine pumping (if not both) to say that “Nebraska is the best 3-7 team ever,” but you get the idea: This team has been competitive against quality opponents. File that away when considering a Nebraska Wisconsin prediction.

Here’s how the bookmakers have set the odds:

College Football odds: Nebraska-Wisconsin Odds

Nebraska: +9.5 (-102)

Wisconsin: -9.5 (-120)

Over: 43.5 (-110)

Under: 43.5 (-110)

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Why Nebraska Could Cover the Spread

We said it above: Nebraska plays its opponents with toughness and resolve. The Huskers do not get blown out — not by Oklahoma, not by Michigan, not by Michigan State, not by Ohio State. If Nebraska loses by 10 or more, it would be the first time all year that has happened. That is obviously the best argument to make for the Huskers, so we should stop there and quit while we're ahead.

Why Wisconsin Could Cover the Spread

The Badgers are a much-improved team compared to September and early October, when they were stumbling around and it seemed Iowa was the runaway favorite in the Big Ten West Division. Paul Chryst is a good head coach, and Jim Leonhard is a brilliant defensive coordinator. Get this: Leonhard's Wisconsin defense has allowed just 12 touchdowns in 10 games this season. That is phenomenal. Yes, Nebraska is really competitive, but Wisconsin's defense should punch the Huskers' offense in the mouth and smother the visitors from Lincoln. Nebraska's defense could play a great game, and yet NU would still not cover the spread. It could be a 17-7 final score in Madison, for anyone following the college football odds.

Final Nebraska-Wisconsin Prediction & Pick

Wisconsin is a good team with a good coaching staff. The Badgers have figured out their problems, which should surprise no one who follows them on an annual basis. However, Wisconsin's offense does not have a high ceiling. The Badgers are winning mostly because their defense is lights-out. The offense is helping the team win, but more because UW is simply “not terrible” anymore on that side of the ball. Wisconsin doesn't have to be great to win games. Its offense just has to be average without turning the ball over. Wisconsin wins, but its offense won't thrive. Nebraska will keep it close, and with both defenses playing well, the under looks great, too.

Final Nebraska-Wisconsin Pick: Nebraska +9.5, under 43.5