No. 21 Michigan State (4-1 overall, 2-0 B1G) at Minnesota (3-2 overall, 0-2 Big Ten)
When: Saturday, 7:00 p.m. CT – Minneapolis, Minn.
Stadium: TCF Bank Stadium (50,805)
TV/Radio: BTN, KFAN 100.3 FM
Coach: Mark Dantonio (11th)
Spread: Michigan State -4, o/u: 40
INSIDE THE GAME
Spartans at a Glance
Michigan State last visited Minneapolis in 2012, when the Spartans topped the Gophers, 26-10. Le’Veon Bell gashed the Minnesota defense for 266 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries.
Like many years under Mark Dantonio, Michigan State boasts one of the best defenses in the country. The stingy Spartans rank fourth nationally in total defense and top-13 in four other categories including scoring defense (16.4) and third down conversions (.274).
Middle linebacker Joe Bachie is the heart of that vaunted MSU defense. The sophomore leads the team in tackles with 44, including five for a loss, two sacks, one interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Bachie was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after leading the Spartans to a 14-10 victory over No. 7 Michigan.
Quarterback Brian Lewerke has been an efficient and dynamic surprise for the Spartans. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound redshirt sophomore leads Michigan State in total offense with nearly 275 yards per game. Lewerke also tops the team with 61.8 yards rushing per game. Most importantly, the first-year starter has taken care of the football. He’s surrendered only two turnovers while scoring 12 touchdowns.
Coach Speak
“Well, they’re just incredibly consistent. They’re opportunistic on defense and they’re consistent on offense. Offense, they don’t beat themselves. They really don’t. They are who they are. They run the football. They’re just like a normal Michigan State team; tough, going to grind it out on the ground, they’re going to play-action pass you.” – P.J. Fleck on MSU
“I think Minnesota is a football team right now that’s growing. Obviously has a new culture there. There’s new things going on. I think Coach Fleck is doing an outstanding job up there. They play extremely hard. They’ve been in every football game and had opportunities to win. They’re a 3-2 football team right now with opportunities to be, really, 5-0. It will be another challenge for us.” – Mark Dantonio.
STORYLINE CENTRAL
MSU’s defense ranks as one of the top in the country and is currently fourth in the nation allowing just 256 total yards per game. Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press takes a look at why everything seems to be clicking for the Spartan defense.
Also from the Detroit Free Press, Jeff Seidel gives his prediction for the game. Seidel calls for a close Spartan victory, 24-21; close to the current spread of MSU -4.
A big key to Michigan State’s defense has been their ability to get to the quarterback. With 13 sacks this season, the Spartans want to continue getting pressure on Saturday. Jon Famurewa of the State News writes about the MSU defensive line’s approach in trying to put pressure on a Gopher offense allowing just .2 sacks per game.
WHO WINS?
The Gophers Win If…
They can put together a balanced offensive attack. While fan concerns about the Minnesota defense in conference play is well-founded, their lack of offensive balance hasn’t helped during the 0-2 B1G start. Against Maryland, the Gophers totaled just 80 rushing yards compared to 229 through the air. The script was flipped last week as Minnesota threw for 101 yards while rushing for 227. On Saturday, the Gophers will face one of the top defenses in the country, and can’t be one dimensional if they want to upset the ranked Spartans.
The Spartans Win If…
They can replicate their defensive performance against Michigan and force Minnesota into turnovers. A big key to MSU pulling the upset at the Big House was by forcing an incredible five takeaways. On the other side of the ball, Conor Rhoda has thrown three picks and lost a fumble over Minnesota’s last two losses. If the Spartans’ D can pounce on any Gopher mistakes and force turnovers, it could be a long Saturday evening for the Minnesota offense.