Michigan State vs. Georgia: Game Time, Radio and TV Coverage for Outback Bowl

In a battle between stout defenses, the Georgia Bulldogs take on the Michigan State Spartans in the Outback Bowl in the new year. 

Both teams are coming off disappointing losses in their conference championship games, and a bowl victory would certainly lift their spirits. 

Georgia ranks as the third-best defense in the country, and Michigan State is fifth. Each should have a good game, but in the end, one will go home empty-handed. 

With that said, let's take a look at some specifics of this postseason showdown. 

When: Monday, Jan. 2 at 1:00 p.m. ET 

Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

Watch: ABC

Listen: WRFC 960 AM in Athens, GA, WJR 760 AM in Detroit, MI

Betting Line: Georgia (-3.5) 

Key Storyline 

Both teams are very hungry for a win after their awful showing in last year's bowl games. Georgia fell to UCF, and Michigan State was thrashed by Alabama.

The Spartans have a big target on their back, though, because they've lost their last five bowl games. You'd have to go all the way back to 2001 for the last time Michigan State won in the postseason. 

The motivation for a victory is there, and soon we'll find out which team is able to avenge its recent postseason failures. 

Who Might Not Play for Michigan State 

*According to USA Today

WR Bennie Fowler (foot): Questionable 

DT Jonathan Strayhorn (knee): Doubtful 

Who Might Not Play for Georgia 

*According to USA Today

Drew Butler (ankle): Probable

Carlton Thomas (knee): Probable

Michael Gilliard (ankle): Probable

Austin Long (ankle): Probable

Richard Samuel (ankle): Probable 

Derrick Lott (ankle): Questionable

Isaiah Crowell (ankle): Questionable

DeAngelo Tyson (ankle): Questionable

Jordan Love (hand): Questionable

Dallas Lee (leg): Questionable

What It Means for Michigan State 

The Spartans have done a good job in recent regular seasons, but it's time they start amounting to something when it truly matters: the bowl games. 

Mark Dantonio has never won in the postseason with Michigan State, and a win over a strong SEC team would give this program a big confidence boost moving forward. 

This is the final game for some of the Spartans' key players, which means ending on a good note is a must. However, it's up to them to show up and play hard to avoid flopping on the big stage.

What it Means for Georgia 

The Bulldogs had a rough start to the year, but they bounced back and finished strong, winning the SEC East for the first time since 2005.

However, a bowl game loss would shed a negative light on what has been a solid season for Georgia. Mark Richt and company made great strides in 2011, and they need to continue to have success. 

Plus, a postseason victory always helps with recruiting, and in the SEC, landing highly coveted recruits is the way to the top. 

What They're Saying 

Chip Towers covers the Bulldogs for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and he tweeted a quote from head coach Mark Richt on Georgia's depth at running back for the Outback Bowl. 

The running back position has been a tough one for the Bulldogs this season. They lost their top two rushers before the season began, and multiple injuries and suspensions forced guys who normally wouldn't have a shot at starting to step up and help carry the load. 

Crowell should be OK for the game, and the hope is that Samuel will be as well. Samuel began his career at Georgia as a running back, converted to linebacker and then switched back to running back this season. 

He came through in the clutch a few times for the Bulldogs this year, and they'd love to have Samuel ready to play because he strengthens their depth, which definitely gives the Bulldogs a better shot at winning. 

Joe Rexrode covers the Spartans for the Lansing State Journal, and he tweeted what head coach Mark Dantonio had to say about the lull period between the final game of the season and the bowl game. 

It's a risky move to let these student-athletes take their minds off football for two weeks. However, they do need somewhat of a break after an intense season. Plus, their emotions were shot after losing the inaugural Big Ten Conference Championship Game to Wisconsin.

Getting back to the daily grind of practice and preparation can be difficult with that much time off, though. Dantonio has his reasons, and he'll hope that it all pays off.

After all, he's treading on thin ice with each postseason loss. 

Michigan State Player to Watch 

Kirk Cousins has to deliver a top-notch performance in his final collegiate game. This is his last shot to show NFL scouts what he's made of, and a strong showing against a very good defense will get him to climb the draft boards. 

Georgia will have no problem stopping the run, which means it's up to Cousins to step up for his team. The Spartans' best shot at winning is through the air, so Cousins better play smart football or the Bulldogs will make him pay. 

Georgia Player to Watch 

Aaron Murray is the main reason Georgia had such a successful season. He got better as each game went on, and he'll need to shine bright once again this year. He's playing in his home town, so expect him to feed off of that.

Having broken the team record for most touchdown passes in a single season with 33, Murray will be asked to spread the ball around a lot because the Bulldogs' run game is likely to struggle. He had a rough time in the bowl game last year, and he's going to make sure it doesn't happen again. 

Key Matchup 

The key matchup to watch for in this game is the Georgia defense versus the Michigan State offense. The Bulldogs have done a great job all season long in shutting down opposing teams, which means the Spartans have to be on their A-game. 

If Michigan State struggles in the early going, expect Georgia to get out front and never look back thanks to their dominant defense. However, a close battle throughout will force each team to dig deep and continue to perform at a high level.

We'll soon find out which team is more capable of thriving in the clutch. 

Prediction 

The Bulldogs have the slight edge on defense, as well as on offense, so they should walk away victorious. The Spartans will give it all they've got, though, to avoid being embarrassed like last year. 

In the end, the Bulldogs defense will come through when it matters most to preserve an Outback Bowl victory. 

Georgia 34, Michigan State 30