Wisconsin Badgers versus Michigan State by the numbers

The Wisconsin Badgers (3-3 overall, 1-2 B1G) will head to East Lansing (Mich.) this weekend for a Big Ten battle with the Michigan State Spartans (2-4 overall, 0-3 B1G).

The game figures to be a close contest with the Badgers early four-point favorites and plenty on the line for both teams. In an attempt to preview the big game, let's take a look at how Wisconsin and Michigan State compare statistically through the first six games of the 2022 season.

Offense

Wisconsin

Scoring: 31.8 points per game, No. 53 in FBS, No. 7 in Big Ten
Total yards: 409.2 yards per game, No. 65 in FBS, No. 8 in Big Ten
Rushing offense: 173.7 yards per game, No. 52 in FBS, No. 6 in Big Ten
Passing offense: 235.5 yards per game, No. 77 in FBS, No. 10 in Big Ten
Time of Possession: 31 minutes and two seconds, No. 48 in FBS, No. 8 in Big Ten

Michigan State

Scoring: 25.8 points per game, No. 90 in FBS, No. 10 in Big Ten
Total yards: 342.3 yards per game, No. 104 in FBS, No. 12 in Big Ten
Rushing offense: 107.3 yards per game, No. 114 in FBS, No. 12 in Big Ten
Passing offense: 235 yards per game, No. 78 in FBS, No. 11 in Big Ten
Time of Possession: 24 minutes and 47 seconds, No. 128 in FBS, No. 13 in Big Ten

Offensively, Wisconsin's scoring output and passing resurgence against Northwestern helped the team improve their overall rank within the FBS and Big Ten nearly across the board. The Badgers have a sizeable advantage in all five metrics highlighted above, which could be good news for Wisconsin's chances on Saturday.

Michigan State was great at generating big plays in 2021, but their offense has struggled to run the ball this year. How well each team does on the ground will play a key role in who exits victorious. With Chez Mellusi out with a wrist injury, that means it is likely that Braelon Allen and Isaac Guerendo carrying the ball for Wisconsin. Former Badger running back Jalen Berger is one of Michigan State's top ball carriers.

Defense

Wisconsin

Scoring defense: 19.5 points per game allowed, No. 32 in FBS, No. 7 in Big Ten
Total yards allowed: 320.5 yards per game, No. 26 in FBS, No. 7 in Big Ten
Rushing defense: 117 yards allowed per game, No. 33 in FBS, No. 9 in Big Ten
Passing defense: 203.5 yards allowed per game, No. 41 in FBS, No. 7 in Big Ten
Sacking the QB: 1.67 per game, No. 92 in FBS, No. 12 in Big Ten
Tackles for loss: 5.2 per game, No. 80 in FBS, No. 10 in Big Ten

Michigan State

Scoring defense: 27 points per game allowed, No. 74 in FBS, No. 11 in Big Ten
Total yards allowed: 445.5 yards per game, No. 113 in FBS, No. 13 in Big Ten
Rushing defense: 153.5 yards allowed per game, No. 87 in FBS, No. 12 in Big Ten
Passing defense: 292 yards allowed per game, No. 122 in FBS, No. 14 in Big Ten
Sacking the QB: 2.33 per game, No. 46 in FBS, No. 5 in Big Ten
Tackles for loss: 5.3 per game, No. 74 in FBS, No. 9 in Big Ten

On paper, the Wisconsin defense also appears to be the better unit overall. The one area where Michigan State has been more productive is in getting to the quarterback, meaning that it will be important for the Badgers' offensive line to protect Graham Mertz.

Michigan State has struggled all year long with pass defense, meaning that it could be another big game for Graham Mertz and Chimere Dike if they can carry over their strong play from the Northwestern game.

Wisconsin's defense will need to wrap up and tackle well in space though because Michigan State does have talented athletes on the perimeter.

Special Teams/Turnovers/Penalties

Wisconsin

Kickoff return: 23.7 yards per return, No. 22 in the FBS, No. 1 in Big Ten
Punt return: 3.3 yards per return, No. 123 in the FBS, No. 14 in Big Ten
Net punting: 41.1 yards per punt, No. 25 in FBS, No. 7 in Big Ten
Turnover margin: +.7, No. 27 in the FBS, No. 2 in Big Ten
Penalties per game: 7.2 per game, T-No. 87 in FBS
Penalty yards: 69.2 yards per game, No. 106 in FBS

Michigan State

Kickoff return: 17.8 yards per return, No. 102 in the FBS, No. 11 in Big Ten
Punt return: 8.1 yards per return, No. 61 in the FBS, No. 4 in Big Ten
Net punting: 46.6 yards per punt, No. 1 in FBS, No. 1 in Big Ten
Turnover margin: -.2, No. 83 in the FBS, No. 10 in Big Ten
Penalties per game: 5.2 per game, No. 29 in FBS
Penalty yards: 44.7 yards per game, No. 33 in FBS

Wisconsin and Michigan State have two of the better punters in the country, making the battle for field position an interesting component of this Saturday's matchup. Bryce Baringer is the No. 1 punter in the country in net and is an exceptional kicker for the Spartans.

The Badgers played a much cleaner game against Northwestern, helping bring down the average number of penalties, but that is still an area of note heading into this weekend. Jim Leonhard has preached the importance of executing, and on the road penalties and turnovers can th be difference.

Just getting started...😈 pic.twitter.com/0r0iEdXuUE
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) October 10, 2022

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