Michigan State vs. Wisconsin

Spartans -5 1/2 vs. Badgers

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One week after a monumental disappointing game which ceased all hope for the season, Michigan State bounced back—big time. On October 18, the Spartans were throttled at home against Ohio State 45-7 in a matchup of first place Big Ten teams. The loss dropped the Michigan State Spartans out of first and out of the Top 25. They then faced their archrival that they have not beat since the first year of the current outgoing Presidential administration. In addition it was a road game in a place they have played every other year but have not won in since 1990.

On a national standpoint a victory over the Michigan Wolverines does not mean much this season. But in East Lansing, it means everything. Michigan State (7-2, 4-1) has a history of collapsing once they face some adversity. This did not happen this time as second year Coach Mike Dantoni evened his record against Michigan with a 35-21 victory. Now the Spartans must weather the disturbing trend of losing games after winning big games. This has hampered Michigan State teams who won more frequently against Michigan in the nineties and almost always followed those victories up with losses to inferior teams. This weeks matchup, Wisconsin, is inferior. Once again the Spartans will test themselves against their legacy.

Bigger things were predicted for the Badgers (4-4, 1-4). But a humbling loss to Michigan, in which Wisconsin had a 18-0 lead midway through the third quarter, led to four straight conference losses. They bounced back and ended their skid with a 27-17 home victory over Illinois last week. With a win over the bowl eligible Spartans, Wisconsin would be one more win away from being eligible themselves.

The countrys leading rusher, Javon Ringer had another stellar game over 100 yards last week. He scored the tiebreaking touchdown midway through the 4th quarter in Ann Arbor to propel Michigan State to victory. He may have a tough matchup this week if last weeks Wisconsin squad shows up as the Badgers only surrendered 88 Illini ground yards. However Wisconsin is surrendering 133 rushing yards per game.

Michigan State holds a distinct advantage in the all-time series, 27-19. Short term, however, Wisconsin has dominated by winning eight of the last 11 matchups, including a thrilling 37-34 Badger victory last September in Madison.

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