No. 6 Michigan football at No. 8 Michigan State game preview

Michigan State football: the good, the bad, and the ugly

There is no doubt that Michigan State is a top-tier football team this season, and their record shows it. Standing alone with Michigan football as the only two undefeated Big Ten teams, both teams have their work cut out for them.

For Michigan State, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about this weekend. However, there are many reasons for concern.

MSU’s offense has been a bright spot for their team thus far this season, with potential Heisman contending running-back Kenneth Walker III leading the way.

Walker, who is second in the FBS in rushing yards, has been seemingly unstoppable for most of this season. If Walker wasn’t enough on his own, Michigan State also has a deadly deep-threat passing game that can open up within a moment’s notice. This ruthless offense paired with a solid defense is why Michigan State has yet to lose this season.

While Michigan State’s offense has looked incredible at times, at others, it has struggled when facing better competition. Against Nebraska, Indiana, and even at times against Rutgers, MSU has struggled to move the ball efficiently and had to lean heavily on their defense, a defense that has not always looked as sturdy as they would hope.

Even at home against Nebraska, Michigan State needed a long punt return to send the game to overtime and eventually win by a field goal.

If Michigan States’ offense can’t find the gaps in Michigan defense and put up a substantial amount of points, they will have a hard time winning a defensive shootout against the No. 2 ranked scoring defense in the FBS.

In order to win, Michigan State must control Michigan’s defensive line and break Michigan’s offensive line, tasks easier said than done.