Will Michigan State Upset Wisconsin Once Again?

By Jackson | Posted Thursday, October 20

According to experts, the Michigan State Spartans have little chance of beating the Wisconsin Badgers this weekend in East Lansing. Since acquiring Russell Wilson during the off season, Wisconsin has been the favorite when it comes to team matchups. For the Spartans to pull off a second upset in as many seasons, they must fire on all cylinders.

Michigan will have to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. By the fourth week of this season, Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson had already become the first Badger to throw for over 325 yards in two games. Stopping Wilson is key. Just like every other team that has faced Brett Bielema and his team so far, the Spartans are going to have to overcome Wisconsin's massive offensive line and force Wilson to make quick passes. Against Nebraska, Wilson was hurried on three occasions but managed to turn each of those into first downs with his capable running.

Wisconsin Badgers Defense is Third Best in the Nation

The Badgers rank near the top in the nation on defense. They are very tough against the pass. The Wisconsin defense does have one weakness, and it should play well into the Spartans favor.

Wisconsin's ground defense has been mediocre so far. They are ranked forty-third against the run, allowing over 120 yards per game. Put that up against the Spartan's “three-headed” rushing game and we might have a ball game. Keeping the ball on the ground will also produce a second advantage for Michigan State. In last season’s match-up, the Spartans held the ball for almost a quarter longer than the Badgers. Wilson does not need as much time as Scott Tolzien did to get his team down the field. Time of possession may not come into play this year.