I'm listening to both head coaches in their final news conferences in Indianapolis on the eve of the inaugural Big Ten title football game.  Frankly I think this format would work great for basketball's post season in the Big Ten as well.  But, both coaches sound confident and ready and I don't notice any signs of stress.  You know they're both nervous but I think they're both anxious to go.

     The stakes are high -- the Rose Bowl awaits and Wisconsin wants to go back and atone for last year's 21-19 TCU loss.  Michigan State hasn't been there since New Year's Day 1988.  Most national pundits pick Wisconsin -- I understand why.

     I'd like Michigan State's chances better if the Spartans had lost a tough game back in October-- I think Wisconsin will have a tremendous sense of resolve -- that alone may not be enough, but I think it's a factor.  The quarterbacks may well decide this game -- who plays better and who makes mistakes and both Cousins and Wilson made mistakes back in October.

     It should be a good match up.  I think it will be close but beyond that I can picture it going either way.  I think Wisconsin is a better team, but on a given night maybe Michigan State will win again.