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I'm no Badger fan, but I love the way Wisconsin finished the first half of the Big Ten Championship Game. Too many teams, the Spartans definitely included, get a lead then sit back and play it safe, hoping they don't make a mistake that loses the game. Wisconsin had a chance to rip Nebraska's collective heart out, and they took it. Bravo.

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Does anyone in the media remember that the score was tied when Kirk Cousins threw the Hail Mary touchdown pass to Keith Nichol to beat Wisconsin? The game would have went to overtime otherwise, which is far from a guaranteed Badger win.

Another Poll Comment

Want another example of the poll insanity I mentioned below? As you know, MSU plays Wisconsin tonight for the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis. In the BCS the Spartans and Badgers are ranked #13 and #15, in the AP #11 and #15, and in the USA Today poll #9 and #12. The Badgers are favored by 9 points. Note once again that the game is being played on a neutral field, not in Madison or East Lansing. Regardless of the outcome on the field, either the polls or the line are completely screwed up.

As for the game itself, commenter "billinwilliamston" on the Yahoo preview of the game posted this notable stat:

A little history for those predicting a blow-out.

2011 MSU 37 UW 31 @ East Lansing
2010 MSU 34 UW 24 @ East Lansing
2009 UW 38 MSU 30 @ Madison
2008 MSU 25 UW 24 @ East Lansing
2007 UW 37 MSU 34 @ Madison

I suspect the Big Ten hopes this game remains true to form.

37-31

The win against Wisconsin might not be the most exciting MSU game ever, but it's darn close. I didn't even expect them to be in the game, so I'm thrilled to see them win, even if it took the most exciting play you'll see all year. The best (or worst) part? There's a really good chance these teams will meet in the first Big Ten Championship Game.

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Should the Big Ten just go ahead and award Wisconsin the championship now?

Thoughts on Saturday

- Are Wolverine fans feeling a little déjà vu? I don't think this team will crash as thoroughly as last year's (I can hope though!), but it still has to be an awful feeling.

- Is Denard Robinson still a Heisman contender?

- I really didn't expect Wisconsin to beat OSU. I was hoping for it, but I'm surprised it happened.

- I'm having a hard time accepting that MSU is likely considered the favorite to win the Big Ten title by many. Sure, I think it's a possibility, I'm just not used to others agreeing.

- It is mind-boggling that winning that title would put them in the hunt for the national title. I don't think MSU is that good, but I think they'll have to run the table to win the Big Ten, and if you do that your BCS ranking has to be pretty good.

- The Illinois game felt a lot closer than it was.

- MSU often has trouble with Northwestern. They need to start fast next week.

- Things are going to start getting a lot more heated with all these Iowa fans.