“Clearly, this is a new era of football in this conference with the addition of Nebraska and the formation of the different divisions,” Dantonio said at his weekly press conference Tuesday. “It’s a new era, and clearly this year in 2011, Michigan State and Wisconsin are the two best teams in this conference, and that is without question.”

Many people expected this weekend’s matchup to feature Wisconsin and Nebraska, but Dantonio said the Spartans knew they could make it to the championship game.

Dantonio said participating in the inaugural championship game itself is an incredible opportunity, and it’s something the Spartans have remained focused on since the end of the last bowl season. Since Dantonio’s arrival at MSU, the Rose Bowl is a frequent topic, and now the team has a shot at getting to Pasadena.

“It’s one of those one-shot things,” Dantonio said. “We’ve got one shot here, and we’re going to take our best shot. I’m sure that they are too.”

Once and for all
Last season, the Spartans shared the conference championship with Wisconsin and Ohio State, and because of rankings and despite defeating the Badgers during the regular season, the Badgers represented the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl.

Had the Big Ten remained in the organization as last season, MSU would be the conference champion and playing in the Rose Bowl because it is the only team with just one conference loss.

“I understand that this year, it might have gone out way because we’ve got the one loss, but in the end, this is probably the best way to decide … who’s going to represent the Big Ten. And I think it’s going to be very exciting,” Dantonio said.

Players share Dantonio’s feelings about having a clear conference champion, and senior safety Trenton Robinson said this game eliminates any confusion or “What if?” arguments.

“This championship-type format is that whatever you’ve done up to this point, it’s on resume and you can talk about it,” Dantonio said. “But you’re going to play in this particular game, and you’re going to have an opportunity to settle it on the field.”

Gholston in round two
In MSU’s 37-31 win over Wisconsin earlier this season, the Spartans were without sophomore defensive end William Gholston — who was serving out a suspension for violating the conference’s sportslike code of conduct the previous week.

“He’s excited to play,” Dantonio said. “I think everybody’s excited to play in this game because it is this game. It’s not that it’s against Wisconsin; it’s exciting because we’re in this game.”