Badgers' offensive line faces tough task vs. MSU's defense

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MADISON - The University of Wisconsin’s offensive line will be under the microscope on Saturday night at Michigan State. That’s because the 15th-ranked Spartans appear to have the Big Ten’s best defensive line. Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi says he’s built up an “attacking front,” with the attitude that they’re going to get people.

Wisconsin center Peter Konz says he expects the Spartans to try a complicated package of blitzes from linebackers, corners, and safeties – and Konz says the Badger offense will be ready to handle it. He says the Badger defense does a lot of blitzing, and they saw a lot from Nebraska in the Big Ten opener two-and-a-half weeks ago.

The Wisconsin line has given up eight sacks in six games, the third-lowest in the conference. Michigan State is second in the Big Ten with 21 sacks – and they’re first in overall pass defense, allowing just 119 yards a game through the air. The Spartans’ front four has had eight sacks and 10 quarterback hurries.

But they might not have defensive end William Gholston for the Badger contest. He faces a possible suspension after a pair of personal fouls against Michigan last Saturday. The school says it’s still reviewing the matter.

Both teams are 2-0 in conference play. The fourth-ranked Badgers are 6-0 overall, while the Spartans are 5-1.

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