Wisconsin (4-0) has won their past 13 meetings, but their Week 5 clash with fellow unbeaten team Michigan State (4-0) at Camp Randall Stadium could prove to be a tricky task.
The Spartans became the first football team to allow an offensive touchdown to Notre Dame, but still rolled to a 31-14 road win behind Brian Hoyer's 135 passing yards and four touchdowns. The real story though was Javon Ringer's 144 yards on 26 carries. A strong running game is essential in college football, and especially in the Big Ten. Hoyer is not an accomplished pivot by any means, so it is a bonus for the Spartans that they have a running back who can allow them to control the clock. The Badgers had to fight hard and come from behind in last week's 17-13 win at home over Iowa, and they also have a powerful running game led by Heisman hopeful P.J. Hill, who rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries. Tyler Donovan was 12-for-23 for 138 yards, one touchdown and a pick for the Badgers, who will have to learn to not depend on Hill so much. Teams are going to eventually put eight men along the line and let Donovan try to carry the team, which is not in Wisconsin's favor.
The Badgers are 7.5-point betting favorites at home this weekend, and are riding a ten-game winning streak at home. But the Spartans won their last battle with Wisconsin by a lopsided score of 49-14, and this team is a lot tougher than most outside the Big Ten give them credit for. This game will come down to run defense, and the running back that cannot be contained (Hill or Ringer) should be the one who will lead their team to victory. Get ready for a smashmouth Big Ten game at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday.
College football betting lines at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook
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