PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Connor Heyward had a career day in the victory over Maryland, running for 157 yards and two touchdowns. It was part of Michigan State’s best running game of the season as the sophomore helped the Spartans gain 269 yards on the ground. With the status of senior LJ Scott up in the air, it means Heyward will likely continue to have a significant role in the MSU running attack and he’s making the most of it.
–QB Brian Lewerke didn’t play against Purdue because of a shoulder injury but made the surprise start at Maryland. The junior wasn’t terribly effective, going 11-for-20 for 87 yards with an interception in strong winds, however, coach Mark Dantonio has made it clear Lewerke is the starting quarterback and it doesn’t appear he has any plans of going back to redshirt freshman Rocky Lombardi, who threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Purdue.
–CB Josiah Scott was back in the lineup last week after missing the entire season with a knee injury he suffered in the early days of preseason camp. Scott was a freshman All-American last season and showed quickly that the time off hadn’t left him rusty, breaking up a pass in the first quarter. His return gives Michigan State two top cover corners along with junior Justin Layne and allows the Spartans defense to be aggressive up front.
–LB Joe Bachie has been Michigan State’s most steady player on defense the past two seasons and earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors after collecting seven tackles and forcing three fumbles in the win over Maryland. The junior leads Michigan State with 68 tackles and has 6.5 tackles for loss and five pass breakups. He’s been named the Big Ten’s top defensive player twice this season and three times in his career.
SERIES HISTORY: Ohio State leads Michigan State 31-15. The Buckeyes won the last meeting, 48-3, last season in Columbus.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “If he was hurt, he would not be playing. Is he 100 percent? Nobody is ever 100 percent ten games into the season, but if he could not play, he would not play.” — Mark Dantonio on the status of QB Brian Lewerke
