Michigan State is running out of weeks to pick up the pieces and contend for bowl eligibility, but a trip to Minnesota serves as another opportunity to get there.

After a 31-20 home loss to rival Michigan , the Spartans are now 3-5 and 0-5 in Big Ten play. Rumors of Jonathan Smith's job security are swirling, and with a bye week after this game, who knows what the future holds.

For now, Michigan State has to deal with Minnesota. The Golden Gophers took it too then-ranked Nebraska two weeks ago, 24-6, but suffered a 41-3 defeat at Iowa last week. Head coach P.J. Fleck is in his ninth season after coming over from Western Michigan.

If Michigan State is going to have a late-season surge, it feels important that it starts here. Let's see.

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