After a 42-7 impressive win at Northwestern Saturday, the Wisconsin Badgers face Michigan State Football on the road. It was a great debut for interim head coach Jim Leonhard. With still little room for error in the Big Ten West, is this the spark the Badgers needed? Here’s what you need to know about the Spartans.
Michigan State Football: A Team Reeling
It only seems like yesterday the Michigan State Spartans were one of the best teams in the country last season. They were one of the surprise teams under head coach Mel Tucker. This year, it’s been a season to forget. After winning its first two games, Michigan State Football has lost four games in a row. They have lost to Washington, Minnesota, Maryland, and Ohio State.
Road games are never easy, but I think the Badgers are catching the Spartans at a good time. This would have been a very nice road win early in the season. Now it seems like the Badgers have to win this game. A loss could all but end their chances to get to Indianapolis.
Michigan State Football: A Familiar Face On The Other Side
The Badgers should see a good dose of Jalen Berger. Berger was a Badger until early last season when he entered the transfer portal. He began the season as the starting back but was quickly replaced by an emerging Braelon Allen and upper class-man Chez Mellusi. After that, it became clear there was not much of a role for Berger.
You better believe Berger wants revenge on the Badgers. I expect the Spartans to have him as an important part of their offensive game plan on Saturday. Berger currently leads Michigan State Football with 308 yards rushing and four touchdowns.
A Really Bad Defense
Michigan State Football relies a ton on its offense. They need to score a ton of points to be in games as of late. The Spartan defense is one of the worst defenses in the Big Ten and the country. To date, this defense is giving up 153 yards a game on the group and 300 yards a game through the air. That’s almost 500 yards a game this defense is giving up.
On paper, and though it’s early in the week, I imagine the Badger offense is licking its chops. They ran all over the Wildcats on the ground and in the air. Statistically, they are now playing an inferior defense. Road wins are never a guarantee, but this has the potential to be another nice offensive showcase from the Badgers this weekend. If they can come out with a win against Michigan State Football, this team’s confidence will certainly be sky-high at the right time.
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