Scouting the Spartans

This Season
Michigan State is 3-1 with wins against Boise State (17-13), Central Michigan (41-7), and Eastern Michigan (23-7). The Spartans lost at home against Notre Dame (3-20). Michigan State averages 176 rushing yards and 229 passing yards. The Spartan defense has allowed 69 rushing yards and 164 passing yards per game. The rushing defense is 10th in the nation, while the overall defense is 6th in the nation. The offense averages 21 points/game while the defense allows 11.8 points/game.

Offense
Junior quarterback Andrew Maxwell averages 217 passing yards/game. At running back is the star of the offense, junior Le'Veon Bell. Bell leads the Big Ten and is 3rd in the Big Ten with an average of 152 rushing yards/game. Bell had 253 yards last week against Eastern Michigan. The receivers are Tony Lippett, Bennie Fowler, and Keith Mumphery.  Lippett has played on defense and offense, but will focus on receiver this season. Lippett has 119 yards in receptions this season. Fowler is a fourth year starter with 349 yards and two touchdowns. At tight-end is Dion Sims, who had 112 receiving yards against Eastern Michigan. He is in first season as a tight-end, after two previous seasons at receiver. For the season he has 277 yards in receptions, which leads the team.

Defense
William Gholston leads the defensive line. In his third year Gholston has 97 career tackles including 20 for losses. The linebackers are experienced with Denicos Allen, Max Bullough, and Chris Norman. Allen has 17 tackles this season, including a sack and forced fumble. Bullough leads the team with 26 tackles. The secondary has three veterans with Johnny Adams, Darqueze Dennard, and Isaiah Lewis. Adams has nine career interceptions including one this season. Lewis returned an interception 40 yards against Central Michigan.