GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: After gaining nearly 400 yards through the air in last season’s matchup, expect Northwestern to spend most of its time passing against a Michigan State defense that has been dominant against the run but is allowing 288.3 yards a game through the air, which ranks 114th in the nation. The Spartans struggled in the first two games but have shown some signs of turning things around against the pass the last two weeks, holding Indiana to less than 272 yards two weeks ago and Central Michigan to 182 last week. The Spartans have also picked up the pressure, recording eight sacks over the last two games.
DRAFT SLANT
–DE Kenny Willekes wouldn’t have shown up on draft boards when he arrived at Michigan State as a walk-on. But two years into his career, he’s becoming one of the most effective pass rushers in the Big Ten. He has four sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss this season, and at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, he’s proving to be athletic enough to bother opposing offenses while starting to draw some attention from those at the next level.
ROSTER REPORT
–WR Cody White is out indefinitely after the sophomore broke his hand last week against Central Michigan.
–RB LJ Scott missed his second straight game last week, but the Spartans expect the senior to be back this week.
–WR Darrell Stewart did not play last week (ankle) but is expect back vs. Northwestern. Also, freshman WR Jalen Nailor should be back after sitting out vs. Central Michigan.
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