OSU vs. MSU Preview Part 2

OSU vs. MSU, October 14, 3:36 PM
ABC Regional with Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Bob Griese, Paul Maguire and Bonnie Bernstein

Scouting the Spartans
Michigan State is 3-3 (0-2 Big Ten) having wins against Idaho, Eastern Michigan and at Pitt. They are currently in a three-game losing streak, with a losses to Notre Dame, Illinois and at Michigan. In all possible ways, the Spartans had the Fighting Irish beat in the first three quarters. In the first quarter, MSU scored 17 points, while Notre Dame looked flat. At halftime the score was 31-14, it appeared the Spartans were going to give Notre Dame their second loss of the season. In the third quarter they traded touchdowns. However in the third quarter Notre Dame, with the help of a few four-leaf clovers, mistakes by MSU and poor MSU coaching, was able to score three touchdowns, pulling off an incredible come-from-behind victory. In the following week Michigan State hosted Illinois, the floormat of the conference. I mean honestly, MSU was the first Big Ten team to lose to Illinois since 2004, that is pathetic. The Spartans only led for the first quarter. Illinois took the lead in the second quarter, and MSU tied it up twice. It appeared to heading into overtime, but Illinois broke the tie on a field goal in the last seconds of the game. This brings us to last week, a loss at Michigan, a game in which Michigan State didn't even have a chance. Michigan completely dominated, leading the entire game, only giving up points in the third quarter. One high note for MSU, despite the Wolverines defending the run well, Michigan finally gave its first rushing touchdown.

Quarterback
The Spartans have an experienced quarterback lining up under center with senior Drew Stanton. Last season he was 67% for 3,077 yards, 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. So far this year he is 62% for 1187 yards, 8 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Stanton runs a spread offense and he is willing to go out the pocket, having rushed for over 100 yards against Pitt. He claims to be fine after injuring his ribs in the game against Illinois.

Running backs
Leading rusher sophomore Javon Ringer, who tore a ligament in the Illinois game, is likely out for the season. In the Michigan game junior Jehuu Caulcrick took his place, but he was only able to get 29 yards with one touchdown and his long run for the day was 7 yards. Caulcrick is expected to start in this game.

Receivers
Two-way star, Matt Trannon, who also plays forward for Coach Tom Izzo, will not be playing in the OSU game, due to an ankle injury. In place of Trannon will be freshman TJ Williams at the X. Lining up Z is senior Kerry Reed, slot senior Jerramy Scott ant tight end sophomore Dwayne Holmes. Reed leads the team with 334 yards and 4 touchdowns. Four MSU receivers have been suspended until further notice, tight ends Kellen Davis and Eric Andino along walk-on receivers Barre Mackie and Jeremy McGinnis, for failure to meet team expectations.

O-Line
At center is senior Kyle Cook, at tackles is junior Mike Gyetvai and sophomore Jesse Miller and at guards is junior Pete Clifford and sophomore Roland Martin. Only Gyetvai is a returning starter from last season. This unit has not done a great job of protecting Stanton, allowing 12 sacks, with five of those belonging to Illinois.

Kickers
The Spartans will have sophomore Todd Boleski or senior punter Brandon Fields handle kickoffs, while freshman Brett Swenson will handle place kicking. Swenson is 7 for 9 on field goals with a long of 43. Boleskis averages 61.6 yards on his kickoffs with 10 of 34 being touchbacks. Fields has an average punt of 46.1 yards with 7 of 21 inside the 20 yard line.

Linebackers
Junior David Herron suffered a concussion in the Michigan game, but he is expected to play at Whip. At Mike is junior Kaleb Thornhill. Herron was the number two tackler last year and this year he is sitting at second. So far this season Herron has 36 tackles, 2.5 for loss, 1 interception and 1 forced fumble.

Defensive Backs
Sophomore free safety Otis Wiley will play with a cast after suffering a sprained thumb in the game last week. Wiley is the leading tackler with a total of 46, with five tackles for loss. At strong safety is junior Nehemiah Warrick. At Bandit, a mix between linebacker and safety, is junior Sirdarean Adams. At the corners are seniors Demond Williams and Greg Cooper. Williams is a returning starter, while Cooper is a converted safety.

D-Line
Senior defensive tackle Clifton Ryan suffered a bruised calf in the Michigan game, but he will play Saturday. At the other spots are junior tackle Ogemdi Nwagbuo, junior end Ervin Baldwin and sophomore end Justin Kershaw. Baldwin had an interception against Notre Dame and blocked a field goal in the Idaho game.