The Spartans will be without defensive end William Gholston, one of the teams leading tacklers. He's been suspended by the Big Ten for the game for punching a Michigan player during the Spartan?Wolverine game on October 15th.
Michigan State has an outstanding defense, but they have not faced an offense of Wisconsin's caliber yet this season. The Badgers lead the nation in scoring, at 50.2 points per game. Wisconsin ranks eighth in the FBS in yards with 523.2 per game. With quarterback Russell Wilson at the helm, Wisconsin is no longer a run first, pass if you have to offense. At 265.7 yards passing and 257.5 yards rushing per game, the offense is about as balanced as it can get.
One of the keys to Wisconsin success in the game will be how well the offensive line handles the Spartan defense, both in opening holes for the running game and in protecting Wilson. They've done a good job this season for Wilson, who has only been sacked five times in the first six games. Wilson plays with a great deal of composure and confidence, and runs well out of the pocket when pursued. He's thrown just one interception.
Wilson's favorite target is wide receiver Nick Toon, who has caught six of Wilson's 14 touchdown passes. Toon missed the Badger's October 15th game against Indiana with a foot injury, but should be ready to go against the Spartans. Wilson has been using the running backs as receivers more often than past Badger teams, something that will prove useful if Wilson has to get rid of the ball quickly under pressure. Junior Montee Ball leads the rushing attack, and has scored 16 rushing touchdowns already this season. It will be critical to establish both the run and pass if Wisconsin is to be successful against Michigan State's defense.
Michigan State's offense is about average statistically, but has been more than adequate considering how opposing offenses have been shut down by the defense. The Badger defense has kept teams out of the end zone, but is not as strong as Michigan States'. Against Nebraska on October 1st, the Cornhuskers were able to move the ball initially until Wisconsin adjusted and put more pressure on the young quarterback, forcing him to make mistakes. That is less likely to happen with the Spartans' veteran quarterback, senior Kirk Cousins. The Badgers can't let Michigan State get much of a lead in the game, as they do not want to play from behind in a stadium where they haven't had much success in recent years.
Wisconsin has been criticized for having a soft schedule, so a victory against a quality Michigan State team on the road should give them more respect in the BCS standings. This game will be their toughest test by far this season, and may be the most difficult game they play during the regular season. If they play up to their capabilities and avoid costly mistakes, they can win, but there is little margin for error.
........................................................................
I really like the fact that Gholston is out of this game. It reduces their overall defense by 10%
to have a leading talkler take that fall.
GO BADGERS !
