Scouting the Spartans

This Season
Michigan State had a relatively easy time with three of the non-conference games with wins against Youngstown State (28-6), Florida Atlantic (44-0), and last week against Central Michigan (45-7). The only loss came against Notre Dame in the third week, with a score of 31-13.

Offense
Fifth-year senior QB Kirk Cousins is in his third season as a starter. Cousins has thrown 69% for 947 yards, five touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. At running back is Edwin Baker with 216 yards and one touchdown. Also running the ball will be Le'Veon Bell with 217 yards and 6 touchdowns. Receiver BJ Cunningham leads the Big Ten with 7.3 catches/game and 107 receiving yards/game. Over 66% of Cunningham's receptions have been for a touchdown or a first down. Also catching the ball are Keshawn Martin, Keith Nichol, and TE Brian Linthicum. The O-Line has been dealing with injuries before and during the season, and has forced the team to shift three defensive players to shore up the O-Line.

Defense
At Linebacker are Max Bullough, Denicos Allen, and Chris Norman, and all three are the top three in tackles on the team with 24 tackles, 21 tackles, and 18 tackles respectively. Allen is second in the Big Ten with five tackles for loss. Jerel Worthy and William Gholston are the leaders on the D-Line. Worthy has 8 tackles and 2.5 tackles for losses. Gholston was a highly touted recruit from the same high school as Big Hank from OSU. The secondary is led by team captain Trenton Robinson at safety, who had his first interception of the season last week.

Special Teams
Kicker Dan Conroy is 5 for 7 in FGs with a long of 50 yards. The punter is Mike Sadler who averages 39.7 yards/punt with three inside the twenty yard line. Returning kicks is Nick Hill and he is averaging 26.9 yards/return, with a long of 42 yards. Receiver Keshawn Martin will return punts.