Penn State vs. Wisconsin: Latest Spread Info, BCS Impact and Predictions

The Penn State Nittany Lions hit the road to take on the Wisconsin Badgers, and the winner of this game will determine who represents the Leaders Division in the first ever Big Ten Championship Game. 

Few people expected the Badgers to be in this position, needing to win the final game of the year to take the division, but mid-season mishaps gave the Nittany Lions a chance. 

Penn State will need their offense to be explosive because the Badgers will be scoring a lot of points. In the last three games, Wisconsin has outscored its opponents 132-47. 

Granted, the Nittany Lions have a far better defense than the Badgers' last three opponents, but it's no secret Wisconsin can score at will. 

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

When: Saturday, Nov. 26 at 3:30 p.m. ET

Where: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI

Watch: ESPN, ESPN3.com 

Spread 

The Badgers are favored at -15, which is about right. It may seem high, considering the Nittany Lions have a stout defense, but Wisconsin's offense is too good to be denied a shot at the Big Ten title. 

Key Injuries

For Ohio State, according to USA Today, OL Peter Konz (leg) is doubtful.    

For Penn State, according to USA Today, there are no new injuries to report. 

BCS/Top 25 Implications 

As mentioned before, the winner of this game will play for the Big Ten title. Whoever wins that gets to play in the Rose Bowl, so there is a lot riding on Saturday's contest. 

The Nittany Lions are ranked No. 19 in the BCS, and the Badgers are ranked No. 16. A third loss for either team would be devastating, and the chances of a BCS bowl are definitely out the window. A Penn State loss could also drop the Nittany Lions from the Top 25 altogether, depending on how some other teams fare. 

Keys to Penn State Win 

The Nittany Lions have to stop the Badgers' rushing attack, or it will be a long day for them in Madison. Wisconsin's ground game ranks No. 10 in the nation, whereas Penn State ranks No. 34 in run defense. 

If the Nittany Lions aren't able to stop the run, it will limit the chances quarterback Matthew McGloin has with the ball, which won't end well. Penn State already has a hard time scoring points, and if the Badgers eat the clock up, the Nittany Lions don't stand a chance.

Keys to Wisconsin Win

In order to lock up a victory on Saturday, the Badgers need to wear down the Nittany Lions defense. Continuous work with the ground and pound ought to do the trick, as Montee Ball and James White are very difficult to bring down.

Russell Wilson has to make smart decisions, but I don't expect him to air it out a bunch. He's been on fire in the last few games, completing 75 percent or more of passes. Wilson has thrown just three interceptions all season, and his streak of no picks must extend to five to better Wisconsin's chances of winning. 

Prediction 

The Nittany Lions will put up a good fight, but in the end, they won't be able to match the Badgers score for score. Wisconsin is too good on offense to lose this game, and the fact that it's at home helps a great deal. 

Badgers 38, Nittany Lions 20