The No. 6 Wisconsin Badgers travel to East Lansing, Michigan tonight to take on the No. 16 Michigan State Spartans in a Big Ten football battle. The game is scheduled for an 8:00 pm kickoff and is to be televised nationally on ESPN. The Badgers are favored by by anywhere from 7 to 8 points with the total set at 50. Wisconsin will be facing their first road game of the season after starting the year impressively at 6-0. Michigan State is coming off a big win over rival Michigan last weekend and is looking to stay atop the Big Ten standings. Temperatures for the contest will be in the lowers 40s with no chance of rain.
Free Analysis: The Badgers have looked unbeatable this season, winning by an average of more than 40 points. However, this will be their toughest test of the season by far as the Spartan defense ranks near the top of most defensive categories. The Spartans' defense, which is allowing only 10.8 points and 186 yards per game and shut down Denard Robinson last week, will look to do the same tonight against a Wisconsin team that loves to run the football, ranking seventh nationally at more than 275 yards per game. Wisconsin enters tonight's game as the top scoring offense in the country, posting up more than 50 points per game. Their defense has been exceptional as well, allowing just 9.7 points per game, good for third best in college football. Albeit impressive on the season, Wisconsin really hasn't played anybody outside of an overrated Nebraska team. UNLV, South Dakota, Oregon State, Northern Illinois and Indiana isn't exactly a tough way to start the season. Plus, the Badgers will be looking to win in East Lansing for the first time in nine years. Michigan State, on the other hand, comes in with back-to-back big wins over quality football teams in Ohio State and Michigan. Wisconsin is trying to prove they belong in the discussion of the elite teams in college football and in order to do that, they will have to win tonight in a hostile environment at night. Outside of Wisconsin itself, Michigan State has the best in-game atmosphere and their student section is superb. Plus that defense isn't bad either. The Spartans are No. 2 in total defense, and have 21 sacks and eight interceptions while limiting opposing quarterbacks to an 84.4 rating. Badger QB Russell Wilson will have his hands full tonight and I expect Michigan State to be able to run the football with the likes of Edwin Baker and Kirk Cousins running the offense.
Free Pick: Michigan State is an extremely good football team and is playing great football right now. The home crowd, in a cold atmosphere, with Wisconsin playing its first true road game of the season all bode well for the Spartans. I like Michigan State to continue to be physical in this contest and slug out a cover against the number. I think they can win the game outright as well. Cousins is a smart quarterback and with Baker finally getting on track, the Spartan offense can move the ball. I expect them to provide a huge defensive front against the Baders and win, 24-21.