Michigan State vs Wisconsin: Preview and prediction

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Saturday afternoon’s Michigan State vs Wisconsin game could be yet another instant classic in the rivalry’s series.

The Michigan State Spartans will welcome Wisconsin to East Lansing for the first time since the infamous Hail Mary game in 2010. Since that game, the Michigan State vs Wisconsin rivalry has happened only two times — 2011 in the Big Ten Championship Game and in 2012 in Madison, with the teams earning a split.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 players who need to step up vs. Wisconsin

The Badgers are coming off a less than impressive victory over Georgia State last Saturday. Wisconsin was without starting running back Corey Clement who missed the game due to injury and is questionable to play this weekend against the Spartans.

Wisconsin has announced that it will be starting freshman quarterback Alex Hornibrook over the senior Bart Houston, but it would not be a big surprise if both players saw the field on Saturday. The Badgers are a better team than what they displayed last weekend against Georgia State.

Just like in years past, Wisconsin does have a solid defense that will keep it in any game this season.

The offense is where the question marks are. Without Clement, the running game takes a big hit. Hornibrook will be making his first career collegiate road start in a tough environment. The Badgers will be ready to play, but it remains to be seen if they will be healthy.

Michigan State, on the other hand, is coming off an impressive victory over Notre Dame. The offensive line for the Spartans completely dominated the line of scrimmage and opened up holes for both LJ Scott and Gerald Holmes to run through.

The defense shut down the Irish offense for three quarters before the defense put it in to coast mode and nearly blew the game. Jon Reschke was spectacular in that game and there was one series, in particular, where he single-handedly ended the Irish’s drive.

On first down, he diagnosed a run and went untouched into the backfield and made the tackle for a three-yard loss. On the next play, he dropped back into coverage and intercepted a DeShone Kizer pass that was intended for the tight end.

For three quarters, the Spartans controlled and dominated the Irish. Tyler O’Connor made the throws that he needed to make. Donnie Corley had his coming out party to the tune of 88 yards on four catches and a touchdown. RJ Shelton had a very nice game catching the ball and running multiple jet sweeps. But once they saw that they were ahead 36-7, they took their foot off the gas pedal and put it in cruise control and it almost cost them.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Michigan State vs Wisconsin game:

Date: Saturday, September 24
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, MI
Venue: Spartan Stadium
TV Info: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: BTN 2 Go

Prediction

We know what the Spartans are going to do on offenseL run, run, run and run some more, only passing when necessary. Scott and Holmes will both have over 15 rush attempts. The defense will need to stay aggressive for all 60 minutes and shut down the running game for the Badgers. If the Spartans can jump on the Badgers early, I don’t think Wisconsin will have the offensive fire power to come back from a big deficit.

Prediction: No. 11 Wisconsin 13, No. 8 Michigan State 31