Wisconsin vs. Michigan State: Spread Info, BCS Impact, Line and Predictions

Both Wisconsin and Michigan State have aspirations of playing in the first Big Ten Championship Game.

Fortunately for the two of them, neither is in the other's division and even a loss here, although damaging, wouldn't end their run.

The Badgers and Spartans are two of the remaining teams in the Big Ten without a conference loss.

The other, Penn State, has already played three division games.

Sparty is coming off a huge win over rival Michigan while Wisconsin just continues to cruise over opponents.

These two teams know that a win here would go a long way in helping their chances of earning a conference title game berth.

Where: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan

When: Saturday, October 22 at 8 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN / ESPN 3

Spread: Wisconsin -7.5

The Badgers have absolutely dominated opponents this season. They average 50 points per game (most in the nation) and only give up 9.7 (third least in the nation).

They are, as of right now, the most dominant team in the country.

A 7.5 point spread in their first round game makes sense though. They haven't left Camp Randall yet this year and the toughest opponent they've faced, Nebraska, was nearly as good as their No. 8 ranking at that time.

Sparty will be in the game early, but expect the Badgers to take care of business and cover this spread.

Over/Under: 49

The Badgers average more points than this by themselves and have scored less than 48 points only once this season.

Sparty's defense has been stout, but they'll need to score points if they want to keep up with Michigan. This game should hit the over.

Key Injuries

Wisconsin: Nick Toon, WR—Probable after missing last week.

Michigan State: Tyler Hoover, DE—Questionable with back injury.

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

This game is huge for the Badgers. They need to continue to not only win, but dominate opponents on a regular basis. Should they go unbeaten and an SEC team and Big 12 team do the same, margin of victory and overall dominance becomes a huge factor.

The Big Ten isn't stacked the way the SEC or Big 12 is, and the slightest slip up will cause the Badgers' national championship hopes to fade immediately.

As for Sparty, they are in the driver's seat of the Legends division. Their loss to Notre Dame takes them out of the National Championship picture, but they can still earn a BCS bowl bid with a Big Ten title.

Both of these teams know this game is a must-win.

Key to Wisconsin Win

Balance on offense. The Badgers are a dominant running team with a quarterback that can explode at any time. Russell Wilson hasn't just turned out to be the missing piece to the puzzle for this team, but he's made himself into a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender.

His 14 touchdowns and one interception along with Montee Ball's 16 rushing touchdowns have made this team an offensive juggernaut.

All they need to do is show balance early and the Spartans will be in trouble for the rest of the game.

Key to Michigan State Win

Keep up. There is no way the Spartans will completely stop the Badgers' offense, they can only hope to contain it.

In doing so they'll have to score points of their own. They only average 28 on the season (their defense has been that good) and that won't be enough against Wisconsin.

Kirk Cousins needs to be better than he was a week ago against the Wolverines or this team has no chance.

Cousins needs to use B.J. Cunningham and the two need to find a way into the end zone.

Prediction: Wisconsin 42, Michigan State 14