PLAYERS TO WATCH
–WR Jalen Nailor wasn’t sure what sort of role he would have as a true freshman, but the speedster from Las Vegas is proving he can be a difference-maker. In the victory over Indiana, Nailor scored his first career touchdown on a 16-yard catch from QB Brian Lewerke and put the game away in the fourth quarter with a 75-yard touchdown run. He’ll have trouble getting regular reps at a deep wide receiver spot, but there’s no doubt the fastest player on the field will see his role continue to increase.
–QB Brian Lewerke has been more accurate overall this season but has had trouble with turnovers. He had two more interceptions against Indiana to give him four through three games, moving him closer to the total of seven he had all of last season. Some of the issues have been because Lewerke has been under more pressure this season, but he’s been missing some open receivers and has made some poor decisions. It’s not the progression the Spartans expected, but they remain confident Lewerke will work out the kinks.
–LB Joe Bachie leads the Big Ten at 10 tackles per game after collecting 11 in the opener against Utah State, getting 10 stops the next week vs. Arizona State and recording nine stops against Indiana. Bachie continues to be the heart of the Michigan State defense, especially against the run where the Spartans are No. 1 in the nation, allowing 32.7 yards a game. There needs to be some improvement against the pass, but with Bachie in the middle, the Spartans are in good shape.
–DE Kenny Willekes continues to be one of team’s best stories — a former walk-on who has become the team’s top pass rusher. The junior had two tackles for loss against Indiana, one a sack and the other a sack that was somehow recorded as a run. Either way, Willekes has been a disruptive force with five tackles for loss this season with three sacks through three games. The Spartans have had problems consistently rushing the passer, but Willekes is quickly changing things for the defense.
SERIES HISTORY: Michigan State leads Central Michigan 7-3. MSU won the last meeting, 30-10, in 2015.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “When you look at our football team, I’m impressed with our focus and energy and how we come to play because we come ready to play.” — Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio
