Week 4 Pregame Michigan State Spartans @ Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin Badgers will open their Big Ten schedule against the puddle jumping Michigan State Spartans. Wisconsin, coming off of a perfect 3-0 start in their non conference schedule, will take on a struggling Spartans team who has started the season a less than spectacular 1-2. This game will be Wisconsin’s fourth straight game in the friendly confines of Camp Randall stadium, and with this being a conference opening game, the stadium is sure to be packed with rowdy Badger and Spartan fans. Wisconsin, with their perfect start to the season, is one of five teams in the Big Ten conference who have started the season with an undefeated record. Michigan State, however, is currently in the tenth spot of the Big Ten standings with only the lowly Purdue Boilermakers with a worse record.

Michigan State started off their 2009 campaign with a lot of positive signs as they trounced Montana State by a final score of 44-3. Their next two games, however, ended up putting marks in the loss column with both games ending with a combine deficit of 5 points. The first loss was an absolute stunner as the Spartans went down to in state rival Central Michigan 29-27. This loss was especially surprising seeing as MSU was at home in a very friendly environment. Michigan State would later travel to Notre Dame, and go down to the Fighting Irish by the final score of 33-30. Michigan State has not been blown out in their losses, but as all teams only know too well, it only takes one point to make it a loss. MSU will be looking for redemption against the Badgers.

Michigan State, under the command of head coach of three years Mark Dantonio, will throw out everything they have to put the first tally mark in the loss column of the Badgers. Lead by quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has had a very respectable start of the season throwing for 649 yards in 3 games with 5 passing touchdowns. His favorite target, wide receiver Blair White has 22 receptions on the year for a total of 342 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns. But the Spartans are not just an aerial attack, with a tandem running back combination of Caulton Ray who has 31 season carries for a total of 145 yards and one touchdown. Backing him up is tail back Larry Caper, who has carried the rock 25 times this year for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

The defense of the Spartans is eerily similar to the Badgers defense this season, as they have both given up the same amount of points this season. Once again, the only difference is that the Badgers have been able to come up with clutch defensive plays when they most need them to secure their victories. That being said, the defense is going to be a huge factor in this game. How will the Michigan State defense do against the newly acquired tri-headed rushing attack of John Clay, Zach Brown, and newest surprise, third string tail back Eric Smith? Also with the emergence of quarterback Scott Tolzien, the Badgers have escaped their single dimensioned look and have a very balanced attack now. Wisconsin’s main defensive question is will they be able to stop Cousins, White and the fantastic aerial attack that the Spartans are sure to bring to Camp Randall stadium. Defense is going to be the deciding factor because both offenses are very good despite the record of Michigan State. This game could turn into a high scoring shootout if neither defense comes ready to do their assignments and stop these two very talented teams.

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