POINTS AT A PREMIUM
CAN EITHER OFFENSE BREAK LOOSE IN MICHIGAN STATE-WISCONSIN CLASH?
Keys for Michigan State
Keep pushing the pedal: The Spartans came out strong last week against Ohio State. The defense controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the first quarter and later forced Justin Fields’ first interception of the season. The MSU offense moved the ball for a while against OSU’s defense but eventually couldn’t keep up with the explosive Buckeyes. The Spartans might find themselves outgunned yet again against an unbeaten Wisconsin unit and will need to find a way to latch on for the long haul.
Curb Coan: Although the Spartans’ defense lacked the firepower to withstand OSU’s offensive onslaught, Michigan State exposed a few chinks in Ohio State’s armor. Fields was under heavy pressure at times, and MSU likely would find success if it applies a similar amount of pressure on Wisconsin QB Jack Coan.
Keys for Wisconsin
Feed Taylor: The Badgers again showcased Heisman Trophy hopeful Jonathan Taylor’s talents in a 48-0 drubbing of Kent State last week. The running back ran for 186 yards on 19 carries and tallied a careerhigh five TDs (four rushing, one receiving). He surpassed the 100-yard mark in rushing for the 27th time in 32 career games and now ranks second in the Football Bowl Subdivision in yards per game (139.8).
Ride the defense: Wisconsin has the nation’s top-ranked defense, having already pitched three shutouts and yielding an FBS-best 7.3 points and 192.3 yards per game.
Prediction
Wisconsin 35, Michigan State 13. The Spartans will likely get a few licks in early but then fall behind, as they did against the Buckeyes. Wisconsin’s defense has been too good to allow quarterback Brian Lewerke and running back Elijah Collins to beat it.