Wisconsin-Michigan State Preview Capsule

The Wisconsin Badgers take on the Michigan State Spartans in one of the college football games on Saturday, September 24, 2016 start time at 12:00 PM ET, Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan.

The Badgers’ used big plays on defense to stymie the Spartan attack and wrestle the game, and pride away from a Michigan State program that has been among the blue-bloods of the sport for a few years now. Michigan State punter Jake Hartbarger couldn’t handle a high snap and had to fall on the ball at his 5-yard line. That’s especially true for Michigan State, which must get the best of Ohio State and Michigan in the East Division, though Wisconsin has no easy road, either. LJ Scott has been a beast in the backfield, coupled with Gerald Holmes, and Tyler O’Connor is starting to figure some things out.

It’s not the only offensive concern: Three of Wisconsin’s four primary running backs came out of the Georgia State game nursing injuries and figure to be at best somewhat limited against the Spartans. Riley Bullough has led the MSU defense with 12 tackles and 2 tackles for loss, while Andrew Dowell has added 12 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception.

Tickets: Tickets are available atthe Michigan State football website.

2 – victories over Top 10 teams this season for the Badgers, marking the first time a Big Ten team has accomplished that feat by October 1 since Penn State did it in 1999.

After an early Michigan State field goal, Wisconsin reeled off two long touchdown drives that resulted in one-yard touchdowns as they built a 13-3 lead, but the Spartans would add another field goal before the half. Wisconsin struggled in this game and actually had to come from behind in the fourth quarter to secure the lead. Alex Hornibrook will start at quarterback for Wisconsin, while Bart Houston will be benched. He has completed 67.1 percent of his passes and averaged 8.9 yards per attempt.

As expected, Wisconsin running back Corey Clement started the game for the Badgers despite being listed as questionable prior to kickoff.

This was the turning point of the game. “They’re going to hit us in the mouth”, UW junior linebacker T.J. Watt said.

“We’ve always known there’s great football played in the Big Ten”, Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said. Rudolph sounded just as elusive about his injured running backs.

This was complete and absolute domination by No. 11 Wisconsin, which moved to 4-0 and maybe into position of “Big Ten West” favorite. Before the competitive portion of the game was over, Wisconsin was 7-of-11 converting third downs. After those two games Iowa, Nebraska and Northwestern loom in what will be huge divisional showdowns. Michigan State won 40 of its last 45 games. If Michigan State can play a full game, I like their chances here.