The #15 Michigan State Spartans take on the #4 Wisconsin Badgers tonight from Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Kick off is scheduled for 8PM ET and the game can be viewed on ESPN.
Tonight’s game could very well be a preview of the first ever Big Ten Championship game as both teams sit atop the standings in their respective Big Ten divisions.
Last season Michigan State won the matchup between the two teams by a score of 34-24 from Spartan Stadium. Both teams ended up losing one game during the regular season and shared a piece of the Big Ten Championship.
This season, Wisconsin is the odds on favorite to win the Big Ten as first year Badger Russell Wilson leads the charge.
Here are today’s keys of the game for Michigan State…
Avoid the Michigan high
Last weekend, Michigan State had an emotional victory over their in-state rival Michigan, winning the past four matchups with the Wolverines for the first time since 1962. This weekend the Spartans need to focus on the Badgers and the dual threat that is Russell Wilson.
Michigan State needs to come out strong and keep that home crowd behind them through out the game.
Contain Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson is no Denard Robinson, he’s better. Not only can he run, but he can pass the ball. Now its always important for any teams defensive line to put pressure on the opposing teams QB however this week the Spartans will need to contain Wilson without using too many pass rushes.
Again, if you eliminate the defenders in the back field, Wilson will make you pay.
Offensive line must continue to protect Cousins
The offensive line did a very good job protecting Kirk Cousins last week and giving him plenty of time in the pocket. They will need to continue to do that this week against a very good Badger defensive line.
Not only will this help the team through the air it should also throw off the Badger defense enough to get the running game going.
Avoid special teams mistakes
Michigan State did a good job as well eliminating the special teams mistakes last weekend against Michigan. This weekend they will have to continue to do that against Wisconsin.
The Spartans can ill afford any turnovers on specials teams or providing Russell Wilson with a short field.
Ref: Grand Rapids Press, Lansing State Journal, theonlycolors.com (image)
