Michigan State @ Northwestern: 3 Reasons Why the Spartans Are on Upset Watch

With a recent 37-21 win over Iowa and a 55-3 rout of Indiana, Michigan State has won the Big Ten Legends Division and will play in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game.

But the regular season isn't quite over for the Spartans.  This weekend, they face a road test in Evanston at Northwestern.  While on paper this should be an easy win for Mark Dantonio's squad, there are many reasons why the Wildcats should not be overlooked.

Northwestern Has Been Hot Lately

How about those Wildcats?

After a disappointing 2-5 start in Evanston, the men in purple are on a roll.  Pat Fitzgerald has led Northwestern to four straight victories heading into their final regular season matchup against Michigan State.

The victories have been impressive, too.  The week after a rout against Indiana, where Northwestern scored 58 points, the Wildcats surprised no. 10 Nebraska 28-25 in Lincoln.  They followed up the upset against the Cornhuskers with wins over Rice, 28-6, and Minnesota, 28-13.  Nothing would make Fitzgarald and the Wildcats happier than continuing their win streak with a victory over the Spartans.

Dan Persa

The biggest defensive concern for the Spartans this weekend will be to stop Dan Persa's arm.  While Persa's injury problems have kept him from being the ground threat he was last season, he has been better than ever through the air.  Persa has thrown for almost 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns, with a 74.6% completion percentage in only eight games this season.

While the "PersaStrong" campaign has not lived up to the hype, Dan Persa has still been a solid contributor for the Wildcats.  He will be looking to conclude his Wildcats career in style at his last home game in Evanston.

Michigan State May Be Looking Ahead to the Big Ten Championship

Lets face it.  With a Big Ten Title and a Rose Bowl bid on the line, Michigan State has a more important game against Penn State or Wisconsin on December 3rd.  While Mark Dantonio or anyone else for Michigan State will say that all of their focus is on this week's game against Northwestern, it's tough when a team has such a big game the following week.

On the other hand, this is a huge game for Northwestern.  While the Wildcats are bowl eligible at 6-5, they need this win to solidify a fourth consecutive bowl appearance.

Regardless, it should still be a great Big Ten matchup this Saturday at Ryan Field.