Michigan State at Wisconsin: How and When to Watch
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WHO: Michigan State Spartans (2-2, 0-1) at Wisconsin Badgers (3-1, 1-0)
WHAT: Week 5 NCAA Football
WHERE: Camp Randall Stadium — Madison, Wisconsin
WHEN: Saturday, October 3 at 12:30 p.m. ET
WATCH: Big Ten Network
A rivalry dating back to 1913, Michigan State and Wisconsin have produced plenty of memorable games over the years.
Most recently, the Spartans defeated the Badgers in double overtime in 2022, winning 34-28 in East Lansing. Four years later, the two teams are set to meet again, this time at Camp Randall Stadium.
Michigan State enters the matchup with a 32-23 all-time record against Wisconsin, and the series has produced some unforgettable moments.
In 2012, the Spartans won at Camp Randall, 16-13. A year earlier, Michigan State defeated No. 4 Wisconsin, 37-31, in one of the most memorable games in Spartan Stadium history. Kirk Cousins connected with Keith Nichol on a 44-yard Hail Mary on the final play of regulation to give Michigan State the victory.
Then there was 2008, when the Spartans escaped East Lansing with a wild 25-24 victory.
History obviously doesn't determine what happens on Saturday, especially in college football, where rosters and circumstances change so quickly. But it does add another layer to a series that has consistently produced entertaining football.
Michigan State
The Spartans enter Wisconsin on a two-game losing streak, and the statistics aren't pretty.
Michigan State currently ranks last in the Big Ten in scoring, which also coincides with the Spartans ranking last in touchdowns scored.
Over the past two games, Michigan State has been outscored 58-23.
But the box score doesn't tell the entire story.
The Spartans have struggled in three major areas: offensive line play, turnovers and discipline.
Michigan State has been shut out in the fourth quarter of each of its last two games, with the offensive line struggling to maintain its effectiveness late in games.
Then there are the turnovers. The Spartans have managed to create opportunities with fumbles, but the ball simply hasn't bounced their way. Michigan State has just one interception all season, and that came all the way back in Week 1.
Discipline has also been an issue.
Against Nebraska, Michigan State appeared to come up with several key defensive stops, only to see penalties extend drives or wipe away positive plays. That simply cannot continue if the Spartans are going to compete in a hostile environment like Camp Randall.
And then there are the injuries.
Michigan State is dealing with a growing list of injuries across the roster, most notably star running back Cam Edwards, who was recently ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The Spartans are also waiting for more information on star linebacker Jordan Hall, who left last week's game. Michigan State's next availability report on Wednesday should provide more clarity.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin enters Saturday's matchup riding a three-game winning streak after pulling off an impressive upset over a ranked Penn State team last week.
The Badgers have been rolling since getting blown out by Notre Dame in Week 1, and quarterback Colton Joseph has emerged as a major part of their offensive success.
There is, however, one major concern with Joseph: turnovers.
Joseph has thrown five interceptions this season, including three in Wisconsin's victory over Penn State.
That could be something Michigan State's defense looks to exploit.
The Badgers' running game has also been somewhat inconsistent, relying heavily on explosive runs rather than consistently grinding out yardage.
Against a Michigan State defense that has been stout against the run, that matchup will be worth watching closely.
However, injuries could change the equation.
Michigan State has been hit particularly hard at linebacker, with its top four linebackers dealing with injuries coming out of Week 4. If Wisconsin can create running lanes, the Badgers could have opportunities for the explosive plays that have fueled their offense.
Overall
This is a matchup Michigan State will have to fight for from the opening whistle.
Wisconsin enters as a heavy favorite, and the Spartans will need to clean up the mistakes that have plagued them over the past two weeks if they want to pull off the upset.
At the same time, this rivalry has a history of producing games that don't always follow the script.
Michigan State returns to the midday window Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.
Bring the popcorn.
If this series is known for anything, it's producing tightly contested, memorable games — no matter what the spread says.
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