Michigan State football vs. Wisconsin: Prediction, preview, how to bet

MSU's football team needs some sort of positive identity this season. The team's offensive line is their only potential matchup advantage. In 2017, the offensive linemen gave quarterback Brian Lewerke time to operate. If Payton Thorne has time and a modest threat of a running game, this group of offensive threats can create problems for defenses.

MSU's defense is struggling. The team has only two sacks in its last four games. MSU is the league's worst pass and rush defense. Xavier Henderson and Jacob Slade could return to the starting lineup. The Spartans need to find some swagger and play with some urgency.

Last Saturday, Wisconsin's Graham Mertz threw for 299 yards and five touchdowns in a 42-7 win at Northwestern. In Wisconsin’s other three games against power-five competition, Mertz completed just 55% of his passes for an average of 142 yards. If Michigan State wants to beat Wisconsin, it has to get to Merstz.

Wisconsin and Michigan State are playing on Saturday. Wisconsin is a more sturdy team than Michigan. The Badgers fired their coach two weeks ago and beat Northwestern last week. Jim Leonhard is the interim coach.

MSU fans are about done with this season. Saturday is homecoming. The crowd at Spartan Stadium will be good-sized. If MSU can find some points early and make it clear it's going to be a game to the end, it will help the atmosphere and vibe.

Michigan State football team plays Wisconsin. The game is a big one for the Spartans. Wisconsin is struggling. The team is not good enough to be considered a contender for a bowl game.