Knock off Big Ten threat
When looking at Wisconsin's schedule at the beginning of this season, no one marked down Michigan State as a true threat. That has changed, considering Michigan State is now a Big Ten contender with its perfect 4-0 record. Not only are the Spartans one of the few Big Ten teams left with a perfect record, they are also ranked in the Coaches Poll for the first time since week seven of the 2005 season.
The Spartans may be the first ranked opponent the Badgers will face all year, but they have not played a team with Wisconsin's talent. Though the Badgers are confident, they understand Michigan State is a formidable opponent. Wisconsin needs to make a statement with this game that they're the Big Ten team to beat.
Donovan on the hot seat
After a hot start, senior quarterback Tyler Donovan has cooled off a bit and has shown his first signs of struggle. Last weekend against Iowa, he threw his first interception of the year and showed inconsistency against the first dominant defense the Badger played this year.
Even with his troubles last weekend, he still has the third best quarterback rating in the Big Ten. Look for him to bounce back and show that he deserves the starting spot, or head coach Bret Bielema may consider giving junior Allan Evridge a chance as the starting quarterback.
Smith getting more involved
We all know sophomore P.J. Hill is the man in Madison, but we also know how explosive sophomore Lance Smith could be with more touches this year. Smith's season, already cut in half due to his suspension from road games, has been a successful one. Saturday, on one of the last drives of the game, he pulled off a clutch 30-yard run, putting Wisconsin in field goal range to give the Badgers a four-point lead, the difference of the game. Since Wisconsin's next two games are on the road, expect to see the ball in Smith's hands and for Hill to rest up.
Defense controlling the game
Wisconsin's defense finally performed the way people had been expecting all year Saturday against Iowa, allowing only 228 yards of total offense. On Saturday, the brightest part of the Wisconsin defense was the run defense, which for the first time this season actually looked dominant. The Badgers did not allow a single Hawkeye to average more than four yards per carry. Wisconsin will try to keep that strong rush defense going this Saturday against Michigan State. The Spartans have two players who have had over 300 yards rushing already this season.
Young players taking a more active role in the offense
Last weekend we got a closer look at a few true freshmen with a legitimate chance to be difference makers this season. Freshman cornerback Aaron Henry showed his ability to blitz with 2.5 sacks, and freshman wide receiver Kyle Jefferson showed his ability to make big plays with his three catches for 40 yards. This weekend Jefferson will try to take advantage of his four-inch height advantage over the tallest Michigan State cornerback. Expect Bielema to utilize these two players more this weekend after solid performances in a big-game atmosphere.
