MSU vs. Wisconsin scouting report and prediction

You can’t put two teams on the field in the entire country that are more like one another than Wisconsin and Michigan State. Any major conference road game

You can’t put two teams on the field in the entire country that are more like one another than Wisconsin and Michigan State. Any major conference road game could end in a blow out. Having seen all of MSU’s games (live and on tape) and watching all of UW’s games on tape (at least three times), I think that these two teams are way too disciplined for a blowout by either on Saturday.Â
The Badgers struggled defensively against the Citadel and struggled mightily against UNLV and Iowa. That stated, this is going to be an old-fashioned Big Ten slobber knocker and I personally can’t wait to get to Madison for this war. 

DEFENSE

The Badgers will get their yards on the ground; they pass protect poorly. If the Spartans can get the Badgers into 3rd down passing situations with any consistency, they will win this game. The Spartan’s pass rush heading into this game is one of the best in the nation. Look for the Spartans ‘D’ to stack it up against the run. Making Wisconsin pass just isn’t Badger ball. MSU’s defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi is itching to blitz and attack them. The Spartans will be highly aggressive and although I do think the Badgers will get some yards, I think the Spartans will have success forcing them into some 3rd and long. When that situation arises, look for the Spartans to run a lot of man coverage with blitz packages coming from multiple locations on the field. The Badgers passing game is most successful when they roll their QB (Donovan) out of the pocket. If he senses the pressure (and trust me he will) he will roll and the DE’s will have to get up field to keep contain. He has been a dangerous runner on the outside at times this season. Look for Greg Jones (and his speed) to be a big factor in the passing defense. Once again, the magic number is 5. If the Spartans can get a combination of 5 sacks / turnovers they will win this weekend in Madison.

OFFENSE

Good luck to the Spartan offense; getting yards against this defense is not an easy task. The difference between these two teams is that the Spartans have a better passing attack. I expect the Spartans to be effective passing the ball with a single back and a three wide receiver formation. They are going to make Wisconsin’s defense respect the edge and the vertical passing game. Moving Hoyer back to the gun will be the Spartans best way to move the ball.  MSU has to force the Badgers into respecting their passing game. This will only help MSU run the ball. MSU cannot afford dropped passes or bad routes this weekend. The Badgers will put everyone up to stop MSU’s running attack. MSU wants to run inside the box and watching this chess match should be the highlight of the game. The Spartans will be able to run the ball; the extent of their success will be based on making the Badgers respect MSU’s passing game.Â
 

INTANGIBLES 

Bielema and Dantonio are good friends and both run their teams with essentially the same discipline and structure. They also know one another’s game because they like to play football the same way. This will contribute to all the all drama in this game on Saturday. The Badgers are a good team and I certainly am not disrespecting them, but their long winning streak has come by way of lucky breaks. “Bucky’s Boys” are not as stellar on tape as they are on the stat line. The crowd at Camp Randall can change the complexion of a football game. MSU has to remain calm, consistent and keep their composure. If either team has mental mistakes early, this could be a blow out either way, but I just don’t see it.Â
 

PREDICTIONÂ
 

Neither team makes those mental mistakes. This game will be won by MSU’s vertical passing attack and should see a score from Devin Thomas thru the air. Whoever wins the turnover battles will win this football game. I like MSU in the turnover battle because they pressure the quarterback very well. MSU’s defensive line will get another turnover this weekend by way of a sack / fumble or forcing Donovan into a bad throw. The Spartans, with the exception of the Pitt game, have not made very many mistakes. The Badgers have made a few this season and it will officially become a few too many this Saturday.  MSU is not the Citadel and they aren’t UNLV. The Spartans win a close one 14-13 to run their streak to 5-0.