Just like Week 1 of the college football season, no one believes in Wisconsin. There isn’t a soul picking the Badgers to go into East Lansing and win this football game. Michigan State looked like they would be a threat for another year last week with a rousing road win versus Notre Dame. Sparty looked like a College Football Player contender combine that with Wisconsin’s struggles versus Georgia State, you can see why folks aren’t believing in Bucky.

How does Hornibrook handle Michigan State’s experience defense
Wisconsin will be starting Alex Hornibrook at quarterback on Saturday. That’s quite a debut versus a top-ranked team, and one of the deeper defenses in the country. Malik McDowell, Riley Bullough and Demetrious Cox could all be problems for Hornibrook. He needs to be a cool customer out there. A sack here and there shouldn’t shake him. DeSonne Kizer did work against this defense in the second half even though they were likely in a prevent defense. Maybe Hornibrook can look and see if he can find any tells about Michigan State’s defense. It’s hard not to expect one or two bad plays from Hornibrook. Let’s hope it’s not five.

Michigan State hasn’t seen a defense like Wisconsin’s
There are so many things pointing in the direction of Michigan State for this game, but if there’s one thing to keep in mind, it’s Wisconsin defense is far superior to anything Michigan State has seen thus far. Tyler O’Connor is the best quarterback the Badgers have faced this season, but regardless, they should be able to give him fits through the pass rush. He’s going to be asked to do a lot because I don’t see much happening from L.J. Scott

Banged up Badgers running attack
Currently, Wisconsin only has one healthy running back on their roster in Dare Ogunbowale. Corey Clement, Taiwan Deal and Bradrick Shaw all have leg injuries. Badgers are hopeful Clement can play on Saturday. Shaw was ruled out by Paul Chryst yesterday. That would ease some of the pressure off Hornibrook although it might be difficult to get the ball moving versus this Michigan State defense.

No Fat Rafa
On their injury report on Thursday, there will be no Rafael Gagalione as he battles a back injury. The kicking responsibilities fall to Andrew Endicott will do the kicking and that’s such a big thing in this game. It’s going to be a defensive struggle with a ton of field goals, and Wisconsin is missing their kicker… Sweet. Hope this means Chyrst is a little more aggressive on fourth and shorts inside Michigan State’s 50.

Prediction
I’m going with Michigan State here. I can’t see how Wisconsin overcomes all of this to win a game in East Lansing. If they do, Chyrst deserves a statue because this will not be easy. Wisconsin’s defense keeps them alive in this game, but it’s not enough in the end. MSU 16-14

Charlie.