Michigan State @ Minnesota preview
TCF Bank Stadium
Last Meeting ( Nov 5, 2011 ) Minnesota 24, Michigan State 31
After being picked by some to win the Big Ten and go to a BCS bowl prior to the season, Michigan State finds itself needing a victory on the road against Minnesota Saturday to become bowl eligible. The Spartans have been hard-luck losers throughout the conference campaign, with every one of their five losses coming by four points or less. They won't have it easy against the Golden Gophers, who already have the requisite six wins needed to advance to a bowl but are certainly looking for some momentum after last week's 38-14 shellacking at Nebraska. To win this one, Minnesota needs to kick start its offense after scoring more than 17 points only once in conference play.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Michigan State -8
ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (5-6, 2-5 Big Ten): Coach Mark Dantonio has all but guaranteed a victory in this game, but the Spartans have been a disappointment throughout the season, dropping a number of games in which they had a lead in the fourth quarter. Michigan State will give Minnesota a steady diet of running back Le'Veon Bell, whose 315 carries this season lead the nation. If Bell and the running game can get going, it will make things easier for the Spartans' passing game and quarterback Andrew Maxwell. Michigan State ranks 10th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing only 16.9 points per game.
ABOUT MINNESOTA (6-5, 2-5): While the Gophers deal with the fallout of leading receiver A.J. Barker's departure from the team and public denouncement of coach Jerry Kill, they also have to figure out how to get their passing game going. Minnesota has gone 10 quarters without a touchdown pass, and the Gophers continue to rotate quarterbacks with Philip Nelson, Max Shortell and MarQueis Gray. Gray had two touchdowns on the ground against Nebraska during garbage time, but against a stout Michigan State defense, the Gophers are going to need to get something going through the air as well.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Michigan State is 0-2 in November this year after going unbeaten in the month in each of the last two seasons.
2. Minnesota is looking to win three straight regular-season finales for the first time since 1999-2001.
3. Michigan State leads the series 27-17, including 21 of the last 27 meetings, though Minnesota won the only other contest between the two at TCF Bank Stadium.
PREDICTION: Michigan State 28, Minnesota 14