“Part of the decision to come to East Lansing this weekend was because MSU-Notre Dame is a great rivalry,” Big Ten Network studio host Mike Hall said. “We know the campus is going to be abuzz as well as we knew Michigan State was going to be a good team this year.

“We wanted to catch that momentum in the beginning of the season because when Notre Dame’s in town, the place is electric.”

In the show’s second year, the network looks to keep the last-minute feel, somewhat-live style when the 90-minute show airs — making it exciting and fresh while adding more humor to it.

The whole point is about being funny, Hall said. On-site correspondents Jordan Klepper and Steve Waltien play off each other well, giving the show a new feel since only one correspondent traveled to each school last season.

Throughout the week, Klepper and Waltien have visited and profiled the MSU Marksmanship Club, the MSU Debate Club, MSU Bikes Service Center and Canoe Rental, Zeke the Wonder Dog and two nearby bars — the Riviera Cafe Restaurant & Lounge, 231 M.A.C. Ave., and Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., in Lansing.

“What we’re trying to do this year is to show things on campus that people don’t normally know about,” Big Ten Network producer Bob Schmelzle said. “We want to highlight things about the school — everyone knows about Javon Ringer and Sparty and not as much about the world-renowned Debate Club.”

After each week’s broadcast, viewers can log on to www.bigtennetwork.com and click on Friday Night Tailgate to vote for their favorite of five segments that will be shown. At the end of the year, after all 11 schools are profiled, three to four nominees with the most votes will be entered into another poll to see the most popular segment.

“The 13th week of the season will be a results show, deeming the winner,” Schmelzle said. “This shows that college football isn’t just about the game, it’s about everything going on across each campus and Friday nights are the best vehicle to do that.”

The show has also incorporated a teammate game show, where two football players must test their knowledge with trivia questions on how well they truly know one another.

Tonight will feature junior linebacker Adam Decker and senior linebacker Kyle Smith competing in the Newlyweds-type game.

MSU’s Athletics Director Mark Hollis said this broadcast is a true test that allows the campus to be put in either a positive or negative light — with that decision falling in the hands of each athlete, coach, student-athlete and fan.

“I think it goes back to one of the reasons that sports is part of the campus community,” Hollis said. “By the (Big Ten Network) being here, it’s representing scenes on campus, showing the world what Michigan State is all about, like seeing the sun shine on Sparty. It’s about (everyone) being visible up front. Hopefully it will represent everything that is good and people will enjoy the day and have a great time.”

But the most important thing Big Ten Network producers, hosts and personnel want their viewers to understand is that the show is meant to be fun and, most importantly, original by spotlighting students and their campus traditions over the X’s and O’s football jive normally shown throughout the day on ESPN’s “College GameDay” broadcast.

“Our network is the one place to call analysis, highlights, coverage and action of every Big Ten game,” Hall said. “If I’m a Michigan State fan, watching the game is one thing. But if I’m a die-hard fan, I don’t just want 50 seconds of coverage before or after a game.

“We give each school between three to eight minutes of coverage. And after the game, you’ll get even more on Big Ten Tonight.”

Students can gather around the Sparty statue tonight from 8 to 10 p.m. for the Big Ten Network’s live set — allowing big-time fans the opportunity to cheer, show their pride and possibly get some camera time.

“About 20 to 25 minutes of the 90-minute show will be live from Sparty, showcasing it all live,” Schmelzle said.