Michigan State, not Minnesota, still seeking to secure spot in bowl game as season winds down

Michigan State's season hasn't played out the way the Spartans, or any of their opponents, expected.

The last reminder of this not-so-awesome autumn will occur Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium, where already-bowl-eligible Minnesota will greet them.

The Gophers (6-5, 2-5) are hoping to improve their standing in the Big Ten by keeping the Spartans (5-6, 2-5) out of postseason play. Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio was confident enough in his team this week to promise a win.

Minnesota will honor 15 seniors before their last game at The Bank. Linebacker Mike Rallis says he's happy to have been a part of what he believes is a turnaround of the program under coach Jerry Kill.