Michigan State vs. Georgia: Last-Minute Spread, Line and More for Outback Bowl

The Michigan State Spartans and Georgia Bulldogs are clashing in the Outback Bowl down in Tampa this week.

It will be a good one between two championship game losers who had great seasons in their respective conferences.

Keep reading to find out where to watch, who's not playing, who's going to win and much more.

Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

When: Monday, January 2 at 1:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: ABC

Listen: WJR 760 AM – Michigan State | WMAC 940 AM – Georgia

Betting Line: Georgia -3.5

Key Storyline

The Big Ten championship game screwed Michigan State.  They finished the season with the best record in the conference, but lost to Wisconsin in the inaugural matchup between the Leaders and Legends divisions.

The Spartans will have to settle with an Outback Bowl appearance instead of heading to Pasedena for the Rose Bowl.

It’s not such a bad thing since they get to play a respectable opponent like the Georgia Bulldogs.

The Dawgs lost in the SEC Championship game to national title contender LSU, which ended their 10-game winning streak that saw them shoot back up the polls after losing to Boise State and South Carolina to open the season.

Georgia will be out for revenge against Sparty on Monday.

Who Might Not Play for Michigan State

WR Bennie Fowler – QST (Foot)

DL Johnathan Strayhorn – DBT (Knee)

Who Might Not Play for Georgia

OL Austin Long – PRB (Ankle)

RB Carlton Thomas – PRB (Knee)

DL Derrick Lott – QST (Ankle)

LB Michael Gilliard – PRB (Ankle)

RB Richard Samuel – PRB (Ankle)

DE DeAngelo Tyson – QST (Ankle)

RB Isaiah Crowell – PRB (Ankle)

What it Means for Michigan State

Head coach Mark Dantonio has yet to win a bowl game during his tenure at MSU.

The Spartans are currently winless in three bowl attempts since Dantonio took control of the program five years ago.

He’s looking to change that early next week, and put the final touches on a stellar season in East Lansing.

It certainly won’t be easy against this SEC powerhouse.

What it Means for Georgia

This is the Bulldogs' 15th consecutive year with a bowl appearance; they are trying to win their fifth in six years after falling to Central Florida in a disgusting 6-10 Liberty Bowl game last season.

Georgia has one of the easiest schedules in the conference next season, so they will be looking for a win to lead to a high preseason ranking in 2012 to compete for a national championship.

What They're Saying

Michigan State defensive back Trenton Robinson knows people think the SEC is more powerful than the Big Ten, and realizes a win would be huge for his program.

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"Everybody thinks the SEC is better than the Big Ten, and you know how it goes, so to go out here and get this win, it would be great for our program."

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Georgia coach Mark Richt understands his squad needs to protect the quarterback, especially against All-American Jerel Worthy.

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"They've got a couple of really big guys up front that can push the pocket into the quarterback's face," Richt said.  "If you run the ball well, then you tend to have less third-and-long situations.  If you play-action pass, you might get a linebacker out of position.”

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Michigan State Player to Watch: Kirk Cousins

The winningest quarterback in Spartans’ history will be going pro after this game and would like to give scouts a few more things to look at and add to his highlight reel before ending his collegiate career.

Georgia Player to Watch: Isaiah Crowell

If the Bulldogs want to protect Aaron Murray, they need to establish a run game against the tough Michigan State defense.

Crowell will be spearheading this effort; success hangs in the balance.

Prediction

Michigan State 23 – Georgia 21