Wisconsin Football: 5 Things to Watch When the Badgers Face the Spartans

When the fourth-ranked Wisconsin Badgers and 15th-ranked Michigan State Spartans meet in East Lansing this weekend, it is likely to be the best game of the Big Ten Season.

The Badgers boast the conference’s top offense, and the Spartans have one of the best defenses not just in the Big Ten, but in the entire country.

Here are five things to watch under the lights at Spartan Stadium Saturday night.  

Defense

Saturday’s matchup pits Wisconsin’s top ranked scoring offense versus Michigan State’s fourth-ranked defense.

There’s no doubt that both units are great, but neither has seen the level of competition they’ll face this weekend.

It’s also worth noting that the Badgers’ defense actually ranks higher than the Spartans (third overall in points allowed). 

William Gholston's Replacement

The Spartans will be without one of the keys to their defensive success this weekend, when defensive end William Gholston serves his-one game suspension for punching a Michigan offensive lineman last Saturday. 

In six games this season, Gholston has 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks. 

Look for the Badgers to exploit his absence by running to the side of the field he's usually lined up on. 

Russell Wilson

Last week against Indiana, Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson had the worst statistical performance of his Badger career when he threw for less then 200 yards and just one touchdown. 

Wilson did everything he needed to do to lead the Badgers to a 52-point victory, but numbers like that aren't going to win him the Heisman.

After the Nebraska game, Wilson became the front-runner for college football's ultimate individual prize.

With all eyes on East Lansing Saturday night, can he again separate himself from the pack? 

The Hype

When the Badgers played Nebraska earlier this month, the game was hyped as the matchup of the year in the Big Ten.  

Wisconsin rolled, and the game was a dud.

Will Big Ten game of the year part two live up to its billing? 

Lee Corso

Lee Corso caused a bit of a stir in Madison earlier this season when he picked the Huskers to defeat the Badgers at Camp Randall on ESPN's College Gameday.

ESPN's crew will be in East Lansing this weekend to cover the game, giving Corso another chance to don Bucky's head gear. 

Will he slight the Badger faithful again or make up for his terrible pick?