Oklahoma State vs. Wisconsin: Guaranteed Rate Bowl preview, prediction, pick for 12/27

Yardbarker Quick Pick

Disappointment might be the theme of this matchup. Both the Cowboys and Badgers expected better seasons. Wisconsin fired coach Paul Chryst in early October, and the future belongs to Luke Fickell. For now, this is a thin group, but running back Braelon Allen (1,126 yards, 10 touchdowns) quietly put together another 1,000-yard rushing campaign for the Badgers. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State has won twice since its 5-0 start. It's averaged just 13.6 points in those last five contests, and longtime quarterback Spencer Sanders is in the transfer portal. — Jeff Mezydlo, Yardbarker

Predictions: Wisconsin (-3)

Looking for the latest odds on the Guaranteed Rate Bowl matchup between Oklahoma State and Wisconsin? Click here for LIVE updates on OddsChecker!

Wisconsin has a new coach in Luke Fickell and the change may have fueled some of the opt-outs. In addition to players placing their name in the portal, six Badgers have skipped out of the game in favor of preparation for the 2023 NFL Draft, including star linebacker Nick Herbig (11 sacks) and nose tackle Keeanu Benton (10 tackles for loss).

Oklahoma State also lost leading tackler Mason Cobb -- a linebacker with 96 stops -- and leading rusher Dominic Richardson (543 yards) to the portal.

Cowboys coach Mike Gundy sees the game as an opportunity to notch a victory. Oklahoma State has lost five of seven games since a 5-0 start.

"Every game we play is important," Gundy told reporters. "And I've always said this, we try to instill basic values and core principles in our team from Day One. It doesn't make a difference who we are playing, where we are playing, what the records are, we're playing in a game.

Yardbarker Quick Pick II

Both offenses have really struggled as of late, so we're going to bet the obvious, and take the under of 45.5 points (-115). To top it off, both teams are expected to be down multiple players due to injuries, opt outs and the transfer portal, making the under that much more likely of hitting in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. — Jared Shlensky, Yardbarker

"And so we all signed up for this. We have an obligation to compete, to prepare, to play the very best we can, coach the very best we can, put the best product on the field every game."

Meanwhile, Fickell, who was hired away from Cincinnati, is serving in a figurehead role for this game.

Fickell told reporters that former interim coach Jim Leonhard will run the defense and offensive coordinator Bobby Engram will lead the offense. Fickell has made hires to replace both men for next season.

Inside linebacker Maema Njongmeta, the team's leading tackler with 88, said he likes Fickell's approach for this game.

"His messaging has been really consistent," Njongmeta said. "‘Hey, I'm here for you guys. I'm not trying to do anything to change anything. I'm learning about you. I'm not trying to control anything just yet. I understand I have to let you guys finish this season off.'"

One star playing in the game is Badgers running back Braelon Allen, who has rushed for 1,126 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

Another is Cowboys safety Jason Taylor II, who has 87 tackles and is tied for second nationally with six interceptions.

This is the first meeting between the programs.