Wisconsin @ Michigan State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 2, 2010 ) Wisconsin 24, Michigan State 34

THE STORY: Last season, it came down to one-loss Wisconsin, Ohio State and Michigan State to determine the Big Ten champion. While the new conference championship game will make things a bit clearer this time, the No. 4 Badgers (sixth in the BCS standings) would still like to exact revenge from the host Spartans on Saturday. Michigan State handed Wisconsin its only regular-season setback in 2010 and kept them out of the national championship picture. No. 15 Michigan State is upset-minded again this year after sending its seniors out undefeated against rival Michigan with a win last weekend. The Spartans' pass defense is the best in the nation while Wisconsin features the most efficient quarterback in the country in Russell Wilson to go along with a power running game.

TV: ESPN, ESPN3.com. LINE: Wisconsin -7.5

ABOUT WISCONSIN (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten): The Badgers lead the nation in scoring offense at 50.2 points and rank third in scoring defense, limiting opponents to 9.7 points. Wilson is completing 74.2 percent of his passes and has at least one touchdown pass in 30 straight games. He is helped by running back Montee Ball, who is tied for first in the nation with 17 touchdowns. Wisconsin has won each of its first six games by at least 30 points, the longest such streak to start the season for an FBS team since at least 1950.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (5-1, 2-0): The Spartans aren’t quite as explosive offensively as the Badgers but they make up for it on the other side of the ball, where they rank fourth in the nation in scoring defense. Their lone loss came at Notre Dame on Sept. 17 and they have opened the Big Ten slate with consecutive victories over Ohio State and Michigan.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Wisconsin leading receiver Nick Toon missed last week's game with a foot injury, but is probable to play Saturday.

2. The Big Ten suspended Michigan State defensive end William Gholston for Saturday's game. Gholston was called for a pair of personal fouls against Michigan last week, one of which came after he punched offensive lineman Taylor Lewan.

3. The Badgers have won nine straight Big Ten games by an average of 29.5 points.

PREDICTION: Wisconsin 45, Michigan State 20 - The Spartans are strong against the pass, so Wilson and company will be content to run their way to victory.