Sparty definitely has a leg up after Saturday. They've won the first 2 games of their 4-game gauntlet (@ OSU, Michigan, Wisconsin, @ Nebraska), with the schedule softening up significantly (including Gophers & Indiana in East Lansing) after that.
No matter what they do vs. the Badgers, if they go into Lincoln and beat the 'Huskers it'll be difficult for MSU to blow it. They'd own the head to head vs. Michigan & Nebraska, with really the only (realistic) potential wrinkle being losses to both Iowa and Northwestern within the division.