Wisconsin's Montee Ball has rushed for at least two touchdowns in each of the past four games. (US Presswire)

Michigan State (4-4, 1-3) at Wisconsin (6-2, 3-1) 

Kickoff: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC) 

Spread: Wisconsin by 6 

Watchability: It hasn’t been the season the Spartans had hoped for but if Saturday’s game is anything like last year’s two thrilling matchups, you won’t want to miss this one. Each team won once last year and the games were separated by a margin of 4.5 points. 

Shining Stars: Michigan State -- Linebacker Max Bullough has been integral to the top-scoring defense in the Big Ten (15.25 points per game), leading the Spartans with 68 tackles. Like it was last weekend against Michigan, the key to winning Saturday’s game will be neutralizing the Badgers’ potent rushing attack. Bullough will be tasked with plugging the gaps in between Wisconsin’s tackles and forcing the Badgers to rely on unproven quarterback Joel Stave. Wisconsin -- It’s no longer adequate to solely prepare for the Badgers’ top-rusher, Montee Ball. In the past two weeks, backup James White, the faster, more elusive complement to Ball, has rushed for 299 yards and four touchdowns. The Spartans are allowing just 100 yards per game on the ground, but in last year’s two meetings against Wisconsin, the Badgers averaged almost 175 rushing yards per game. 

Who could steal the show: Michigan State -- Freshman wide receiver Aaron Burbridge has emerged over the last three weeks as the Spartans’ top receiving threat, making 19 catches for 274 yards. Not coincidentally, TE Dion Sims has missed the majority of the past three games leaving quarterback Andrew Maxwell with few viable receivers. Sims could be back Saturday against the Badgers which will help stretch the defense and force linebackers Chris Borland and Mike Taylor into pass coverage. Wisconsin -- When a team rushes for 337 yards, as the Badgers did against Minnesota last weekend, it lessens the importance of the passing game. But the biggest beneficiary to a relentless rushing attack could be Wisconsin WR Jared Abbrederis, who sees single coverage as a result of the dozens of play actions that Wisconsin calls. Abbrederis has five catches this season of at least 42 yards and has scored five touchdowns. 

You going? Ranking the road trip: The memory of last season’s last-second Hail Mary that ruined Wisconsin’s perfect season is still fresh for Badger fans. Even though Michigan State is having a down year, this is one of the best blossoming rivalries in the conference and should make for a great gameday atmosphere.  

Magic number for Michigan State: 9. Through eight games, the Spartans have given up just nine offensive touchdowns (six passing, three rushing), which is tied for the sixth-fewest in the country. On top of that, the Spartans have given up just two offensive touchdowns in the second halves of games this year. 

Magic number for Wisconsin: 1. Montee Ball and James White represent the only FBS teammates to each record 150-plus rushing yards in the same game this season. White had 175 last week while Ball had 166 against Minnesota. 

The game comes down to: Whether the Spartans' defense can stop Wisconsin’s rushing attack. If they can’t, Michigan State’s offense, which has averaged less than 20 points per game, won’t be able to keep pace. 

Eye on College Football's take: However you want to pronounce his name, this will be a game in which Montee Ball will have to get back to his 2011 form against a Michigan State defense that surely isn't the problem in East Lansing. -- Tom Fornelli

Prediction: Wisconsin 34, Michigan State 24

For more Big Ten coverage, follow Mike Singer and Dave Carey @CBSSportsBigTen.