| A Michigan State defense decimated by injuries and suspensions turned in its best performance of the season last week in a road upset of #14 Illinois. Down to just one scholarship defensive end, a true freshman, the Spartans beefed up and played interior linemen across the front. It worked out, and Michigan State dominated short yardage situations. They are still making the kind of small mistakes you can't afford to make. The kicking game is a disaster. The coaching decisions and clock management are questionable. Payton Thorne looks to have regressed. But the defense looks to be improved since the return of senior safety, captain Xavier Henderson. The Spartans allowed over 17 first downs per game without him, and just 9.2 with. But this week looks to be a de facto bowl eligibility elimination game. The loser isn't officially eliminated, but would need to win out, and each has Penn State remaining. The Scarlet Knights have the 6th worst offense in the FBS, so this should be much less of a challenge, but it's still unclear how many of the 8 suspended defensive starters will be out. Mel Tucker said all of them were suspended until the investigation is complete, which we may find out today. Combined with injuries to both starting DEs, who have missed the last 5 games, the four DT look may return. Rutgers needs to get a mistake prone Michigan State offense to turn the ball over. Short fields are the only way this offense can move. That's why they did in their last trip to Spartan Stadium, two years ago, in the first game out of COVID. Michigan State turned the ball over 7 times, and Rutgers scored their lone win over Michigan State since joining the conference. Feels like that is their chance. |