Previously:
Leaders: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin
Legends: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern
Michigan State Spartans
2011 Overall Record: 11-3
2011 Big Ten Record: 7-1
| Date | Opponent |
| Aug 31 | Boise State |
| Sept 8 | @ Central Michigan |
| Sept 15 | Notre Dame |
| Sept 22 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept 29 | Ohio State |
| Oct 6 | @ Indiana |
| Oct 13 | Iowa |
| Oct 20 | @ Michigan |
| Oct 27 | @ Wisconsin |
| Nov 3 | Nebraska |
| Nov 17 | Northwestern |
| Nov 24 | @ Minnesota |
Do Not Play
Illinois
Penn State
Purdue
Biggest Game
No surprise here. Since Mark Dantonio has taken over at Michigan State, he's made no mystery of his pure hatred for his in-state rivals. Say what you will about the guy, but he delivers. If you're Michigan, you're spending more time looking over your back at little brother than you are at what's going on in Columbus this season. Ohio State has their wings clipped this year, so that thrusts Michigan state, with their 4-game winning streak over Michigan, into the Wolverines' cross hairs.
I suspect Michigan will always be MSU's biggest game while Dantonio is at the helm. As a Michigan fan, I have no problem with this. I love how much the Michigan-MSU rivalry has grown in recent years.
Non-Conference Loss
There are two real non-conf threats on the 2012 schedule. Boise State and Notre Dame. For a team like Michigan State who has a relatively untested and unproven offense, those games could be trouble for Sparty. Michigan State has the luxury of a shut down defense, which will keep them in most games this year.
And what is Michigan State doing playing Central Michigan on the road? Is this how we beat the SEC?
It's a Trap!
There are no obvious traps on this schedule. But ending the season with NU and Minn could make Sparty soft going into those finales.
The Game Destined for ESPN3.com
Eastern on Sept 22.
Final Analysis
Michigan State has a great defense. They'll probably win most of their games because of that. But an young untested quarterback, untested receivers and a running game that ranked 11th in the B1G last season, its going to be a lot to overcome. I suspect getting back to double-digit wins is going to be a stretch for MSU.
Fearless Predictions
Non-conference record: 3-1
Division Record: 3-2
Crossover Record: 2-1
Overall: 8-4
Bowl: Ticket City
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