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

The first-ever Big Ten Championship Game takes place this Saturday, as the Big Ten Legends champion No. 13 Michigan State Spartans (10-2, 7-1) take on Leaders champion No. 15 Wisconsin Badgers (10-2, 6-2).

These two teams put on quite the show earlier in the year. The final play of the game saw a Hail Mary pass get caught, then go under official review only to be called a touchdown. These two teams play similar style of play, as both teams play a hard-hitting defense and have an explosive offense. 

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 8:17 p.m. ET

Watch: FOX

Spread

According to Bodog, the point spread has Virginia Tech favored by 10 points. Take the Badgers in this game. If it weren’t for the Hail Mary pass, Wisconsin would have won this game in overtime. 

Over/Under

According to Bodog, the over/under in this game is 54.5 points. Take the over in this game, as Wisconsin will run the score up with running back Montee Ball. 

Key Injuries Michigan State

CB Darqueze Dennard: probable for Saturday’s game with a concussion. 

S Kurtis Drummond: questionable for Saturday’s game with a concussion.

WR Bennie Fowler:  questionable for Saturday’s game with a foot injury.

Key Injuries Wisconsin

WR Fred Willis: questionable for Saturday’s game with an ankle injury.

OL Dallas Lewallen: questionable for Saturday’s game with a knee injury.

OL Peter Konz: questionable for Saturday’s game with a leg injury.

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

A win for Michigan State or Wisconsin clinches a spot in the 2012 Rose Bowl Game, where as a loss for either team will send it to a bowl game on Jan. 2.

Keys to Michigan State Win

Michigan State has to find a way to stop Montee Ball. Ball has been on fire recently, rushing for 11 touchdowns in his last four games. 

Michigan State has to find a way to stop Russell Wilson. If the Spartans shut down Ball, they have to do as good of a job shutting down the Wisconsin quarterback.

Michigan State has to get quarterback Kirk Cousins going. Against Wisconsin, Cousins had a good game of 290 yards and three touchdowns. 

Keys to Wisconsin Win

Wisconsin has to get Ball going. The Wisconsin running back has dominated the competition in his last four games and will be the reason why Wisconsin wins on Saturday.

Wisconsin has to protect Wilson. Against Michigan State, the Wisconsin quarterback had a good game with two touchdowns, but had two interceptions as well. 

Wisconsin has to play a complete game. In that Michigan State game, the Badgers gave up 23 points in the second quarter and 14 in the fourth. 

Prediction

This will be the most exciting conference championship game out the four major conference championship games. Wisconsin and Michigan State will put up a lot of points. 

However, Wisconsin is playing too good right now, Ball is playing on another level and Wilson is playing error free. Wisconsin will provide to have too much talent for Michigan State and will win the first Big Ten Championship Game.

Wisconsin 38, Michigan State 28

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