If there was one rematch to want this season, it's Michigan State/Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game. Or is it B1G Championship Game? That seems silly. Anyway, if you recall, State won 37-31 earlier this season on a Kirk Cousins Hail Mary.
In that game, Michigan State's pass defense was impressive, thanks largely to the play of cornerback Johnny Adams. He held Badgers wide receiver Nick Toon to just two catches, his lowest total of the year. Adams, a junior, plays with a lot of toughness and knows how to work the sideline to his advantage. Toon has been up and down this season but can be spectacular at times.
Adams gets plenty of help in the secondary from safety Trenton Robinson. An undersized free safety, Robinson has four interceptions on the year. It will be interesting to see if NFL teams look at him as a cornerback because he's 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds.
Big Ten Championship Game: Michigan State vs. Wisconsin NFL Draft watch notes
The Spartans have a good wide receiver of their own with B.J. Cunningham. He's riding a hot streak coming into this game. He has two consecutive games of 100 yards or more receiving and had 102 against Wisconsin earlier this season. Cunningham is a good physical receiver but may not have great speed.
Wisconsin's best draft prospects are along their offensive line. Center Peter Konz started practicing again this week after missing the previous two games, but is questionable today. Guard Kevin Zeitler may be the best pure guard in the draft. He's strong at the point and can really control defensive tackles. The play of the offensive line has helped running back Montee Ball, who is good in his own right. The combine and workouts will be big for Ball, who needs to show agility and speed.
On defense, Wisconsin has intriguing free safety Aaron Henry. He's a good athlete but will make mental mistakes from time to time.
Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy helped turn his disappointing season around playing Wisconsin the first time. Worthy was getting good penetration, especially in the second half. One 2013 player to watch is Spartans defensive end William Gholston, who was suspended the first time these two played.
