Michigan State (5-5/3-3) at Purdue (4-6/3-3)
Sagarin sez: MSU #51 Sagarin, #43 SS; Purdue #72 Sagarin, #22 SS
Kickoff: 12:00 pm EST.
TV: ESPN
Weather: 61, sunny
Line: MSU favored by 3.

Tickets available

Injuries: Michigan State - RB Andre Anderson (gone), out; RB Caulton Ray (gone), out; S Roderick Jenrette (foot), out; RB Glenn Winston (knee), out; LB Drew Stevens (knee), doubtful; DT Jerel Worthy (leg), probable; S Marcus Hyde, probable; S Danny Fortener (concussion), probable; DT Oren Wilson, probable; RB Larry Caper (concussion), probable. Purdue - DT Nick Mondek (leg), out; LB Jason Werner (back), out; WR Keith Carlos (knee), doubtful; WR/KR Royce Adams (knee), probable.

Common opponents: Both 2-3. Minnesota (MSU-L, Purdue-L); Notre Dame (MSU-L, Purdue-L); Illinois (MSU-W, Purdue-W); Wisconsin (MSU-L, Purdue-L); scUM (MSU-W, Purdue-W)

ES Prediction: This should be a high scoring affair with two prolific offenses on a sunny day. MSU has a greater sense of urgency as it has lost three games on the last play of the game, or would be 8-2. But, Purdue has also fared similarly competitive against the same opponents. The difference is this was already a rebuilding year for Purdue and it has played above expectations; MSU hasn't finished, and needs to do so or be remembered as yet another "would've, should've, could've" team in Spartan history. Give it up to the Spartans to get it done. You want more details, check out the other previews and predictions below.

With the return of Larry Caper in the backfield, and a healthier defensive line, it should have enough manpower to outduel the Boilermakers. The Spartan defense will struggle with the spread as it has all year, but the return of Danny Fortener at safety should help to stem the tide for a while. Will Trenton Robinson step up and play better in the defensive backfield and make plays against the spread, or will he once again play wiffleball? Overall, MSU has a little more on defense and a little more on offense; enough to carry the day.

Final score: Michigan State 32, Purdue 27. Halftime score: Purdue 17, Michigan State 14.