Northwestern at Michigan State

Michigan State has built a reputation over the last few years that had them ranked high with expectations of getting to the Big-10 Championship game once again, and potentially a player in the Final Four. The Spartans have won 11 or more games in five of the last six years, but this will not be the sixth, as they have started 2-3. Northwestern is 2-3 with mixed reviews. A loss to Illinois State at home is inexcusable, but losses to Nebraska, and 6-0 Western Michigan are understandable. The Wildcats have shown they can play, as they went to Ames, Iowa and beat the Hawkeyes last week, which wasn't going to be easy as Iowa was 9-1 SU at home in their last 10. Michigan State showed signs of trouble right out of the gate, beating Furman in their opener just 28-13 as a 39-point favorite. What looked like a big win vs. Notre Dame has been proven otherwise, as the Irish have struggled just like Sparty has. Last week they were whipped by BYU 31-14, beaten up by Wisconsin 30-6, and lost at Indiana. Northwestern looks like they are good enough to pin the fourth loss on Sparty, as with expectations so high, Michigan State is not likely to be in focus for this one. Play on Northwestern.