It’s arguably the most anticipated game in college football. No Big Ten season would be complete without a showdown between Ohio State and Michigan, and this year is no exception. Only this time it’s a different Michigan.

The Michigan State Spartans appear to be on a collision course with the Ohio State Buckeyes at the 100th Rose Bowl game on New Year’s day. The last time these two faced off was the beginning of the 2012 regular season. The Buckeyes barely escaped that game, and since then the “big green monster” has only gotten meaner.

The Spartans have been on a warpath all year — lighting up almost every team that gets in their way. Those unfortunate enough to face their defense know firsthand how lethal it is, and Michigan is one of those victims.

When the two Michigans met in East Lansing November 2 history was made for all the wrong reasons. The Spartans dominated the Wolverines, allowing only two field goals and zero touchdowns on their way to a 29-6 victory — the most lopsided since 1967. In the process they held them to a staggering minus-48 rushing yards (the lowest in school history), an average of 2.8 yards per play, 12 first downs and 168 total yards.

“You never think you’re going to be that good,” Spartans defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi said.

Should the Bucks be afraid? Yes and no.

OSU has become a monster in its own right. Since Urban Meyer took over as head coach last year, the Bucks have been virtually unstoppable. They went undefeated in 2012 and look on par to do it again. Only this time they’re not merely beating their opposition, they’re doing it convincingly. They have dominated their opposition by an average of 31.1 points-per-game so far. They also have a Heisman worthy quarterback in Braxton Miller, a formidable backup in Kenny Guiton, and many weapons to help them drive the ball.

However, as good as they look on paper they have yet to be tested against ranked opponents. A majority of those victories have been over teams who, frankly, don’t deserve to be on the same field as the Bucks. In fact, the last time they faced any team ranked in the top ten was Arkansas in the 2010 Sugar Bowl. It was a different era, a different schedule and an entirely different team.

Incidentally, the Bucks aren’t exactly stellar in the post-season. They have a reputation for choking at the moment of truth, i.e. in the last two national title games.

So yes, the Bucks should be a little scared. At the very least they better not let their guard down. They have the talent to make big plays and the coaching to execute them, but can they pull it all together when it matters most? And do they have the will to win? The Spartans sure do. And in this conference that makes all the difference.

Mike Quatro is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @SonOfDickQ, Like him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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