TV:
7 p.m. Saturday, Big Ten championship, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis; WFLD-Ch. 32.
Line:
Wisconsin by 91/2.
Records:
Michigan State 10-2, 7-1 Big Ten; Wisconsin 10-2, 6-2.
Last meeting:
Michigan State won 37-31 on Oct. 22 in East Lansing., Mich.
On the offensive:
Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson has thrown three interceptions, and two came against the Spartans. Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins had minus-90 rushing yards (with sacks) entering the Northwestern game, in which he rushed for 25 yards.
Getting defensive:
Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator is Chris Ash, who says he’s a Lovie Smith admirer. Michigan State’s Pat Narduzzi facetiously said after the Michigan game that he strives for “60 minutes of unnecessary roughness.”
The number:
6. Receptions for Michigan State’s Keith Nichol in five game since catching Cousins’ Hail Mary pass to beat Wisconsin.
The talk:
The winner will try to become just the second Big Ten team to win the Rose Bowl since the 2000 game. (It was Big Ten-free in 2002, ’03 and ’06.)
Teddy Greenstein‘s pick:
Wisconsin has two things Michigan State does not — a mobile quarterback and Montee Ball.
Wisconsin 31, Michigan State 27
