Michigan State was on top of the Legends Division standings by itself after upsetting Wisconsin in dramatic fashion. There was still one tough test left in October after the Wisconsin game, and the Spartans ultimately failed it by losing to Nebraska by three touchdowns.
Although the loss to the Cornhuskers was disappointing, going 3-1 against an October schedule that included Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska was quite impressive. The Spartans have put themselves in great position in the Legends Division race going into November, which presents a much easier schedule for MSU. Games in November include home matchups against Minnesota and Indiana and road games against Iowa and Northwestern.
Michigan State's first November game is Saturday at home against Minnesota. Although the Golden Gophers are coming off of an impressive 22-21 win over Iowa, this game should be a cakewalk for Michigan State. Minnesota is 2-6 this season and looked like a team that didn't know how to play football before last Saturday. While Minnesota may be improving, this game should produce a blowout win for the Spartans.
If Michigan State wins on Saturday as it should, it will go into the Iowa game next week still in first place in the Legends Division. The game against the Hawkeyes should be their final really tough test of the season, and it could be the difference between playing for the Big Ten title or coming up just short of winning the Legends Division crown. Of course, first the Spartans must take care of business against Minnesota, as an upset would be detrimental to their hopes of making it to Indy.