The Spartans enter this matchup versus the Buckeyes coming off a last-second field goal to defeat Penn State a week ago.
Michigan State relies heavily on a stingy defense and timely offense to sit at 7-2 on the season thus far.
Defensively, the Spartans rank 12th in Total Defense (303 yards per game) and an impressive 3rd nationally in Rushing Defense (87 yards per game) while allowing 216 yards per game through the air, good enough for 58th nationally.
Michigan State ranks 63rd in Total Offense (402 yards per game) and has allowed an impressive 12.0 sacks on the season (20th nationally.)
Michigan State Offense
Brian Lewerke
Quarterback (#14)
Redshirt Sophomore
6’3” 212
Season Stats:
2207 yards, 61% completions, 16 TD, 4 INT, 368 yards rushing
Solid size and very good athlete, Lewerke possesses the ability to maneuver outside the pocket as well as be successful on designed runs. Uses athleticism to buy time and maintains poise in a messy pocket. Will keep eyes downfield and progress through reads. Has good arm strength and can throw accurately when rolling out to either direction. Footwork gets sloppy and tends to throw off balance. Relies on arm strength to fit the ball into tight windows and will push the ball downfield.
Felton Davis III
Wide Receiver (#18)
Junior
6’4” 195
Season Stats:
45 recs, 586yds, 8TD
The leading receiver for the Spartans, Davis is a big, physical receiver with a large catch radius who possesses good speed and ability to create yards after the catch. A red-zone favorite of Lewerke, Davis shows very good functional strength to use his body to gain leverage within a route as well as the hand strength to win contested passes. Davis will be a difficult matchup for the Buckeyes in the short and intermediate levels.
Michigan State Defense
Joe Bachie
Middle Linebacker (#35)
Sophomore
6’2” 233
The leading tackler for the Spartans with 77 tackles, 6.5 TFL and 2 INT, the Ohio native Bachie is a physical downfill defender who is a tremendous run stopper. Is very good at filling gaps and avoiding blockers when pursuing laterally to the ball. Has good range when dropping into coverage and is a solid overall defender. Bachie resembles Ben Boulware, formerly of Clemson, as he is fearless and an emotional leader of the defense.
Josiah Scott
Cornerback (#22)
Freshman
5’10” 173
Very promising young cornerback who is very comfortable in Press Man coverage. Has solid strength to redirect at the release and shows good athleticism to mirror receivers. Displays very good ball skills as he has superb timing when playing with his back to the ball.
Josiah Scott has really flashed in watching MSU film, particularly in Man Coverage. Just a Freshman pic.twitter.com/KxM7cgWCYw
— Kyle Morgan (@NoHuddleScouts) November 10, 2017
Other Notables
L.J. Scott, Junior RB (#3), 6’1” 229 – The leading rusher for the Spartans on the season (554 yards), is a threat as a receiver out of the backfield as well. Has good speed and very good change of direction in the open field.
Darrell Stewart, Sophomore WR (#25) 6’2” 210 – Versatile receiver who aligns all over the field. Good overall athlete and deep threat. 40 catches on the season, second on the team as well as 19 rushes.
Kenny Willekes, Sophomore OLB/DE (#48) 6’4” 244 – Speed rusher off the edge. Has 9 TFL, 3.5 Sacks, 2 PD so far on the season.
