Spartans, Broncos in need of victories heading into nonconference game

Following back-to-back tough Big Ten losses, the Spartans step out for a rare late-season nonconference football game against Western Michigan this Saturday (noon, Big Ten Network).

Mark Dantonio

The Broncos are 4-5 and are fighting to become bowl eligible, much like the Spartans. MSU is 1-1 against in-state opponents this season, losing to Central Michigan on a last-second field goal but defeating Michigan in overtime.

The Spartans will try not to be upset again by another in-state school on their own field. Here are four key matchups that will determine Saturday’s outcome.

Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller vs. MSU secondary

Hiller has been lighting up opposing secondaries this season, passing for almost 280 yards per game.

He has completed almost 63 percent of his passes in 384 attempts. So, he’s been slinging the ball around, but he’s been accurate as well — a deadly combination.

After stepping up its play for four games, the Spartans secondary returned to early-season form against Minnesota, allowing a team without its primary target to do whatever it wanted through the air.

Maybe the Spartans didn’t take the Gophers’ receivers seriously, thinking they couldn’t do anything, but the defensive backs have to return to their lockdown play or Hiller will pick the Spartans apart. If MSU plays off the Western Michigan receivers and allows short passes, like they did against Central Michigan, it could be a long day.
Advantage: Hiller

MSU running backs vs. Western Michigan rush defense

Coming into the season, the Spartans were loaded with depth at the running back position. As many as eight guys were lined up and ready to take the ball.

Now, because of injuries and internal issues, the Spartans might be down to three backs. In head coach Mark Dantonio’s three years — and especially this season — when the Spartans have successfully run, they usually have won.

But judging by the Spartans’ 4-5 record, they haven’t been able to effectively run the ball this season, for a variety of reasons.

The Broncos are allowing a staggering 176 yards per game on the ground, which is something that could get the Spartans going.

With the temperature falling, the run game will be that much more important and if the Spartans can pound the rock, it could be a blowout. If not, the Spartans could be playing down to the last play — again.
Advantage: Split

MSU red zone offense vs. Western Michigan red zone defense

You could write an entire book about the Spartans’ failures in the red zone and the goal line.

For four straight games, the team has been unable to score from the one-yard line. The Spartans might as well send in senior kicker Brett Swenson when they cross the 20-yard line.

However, Western Michigan has been average in red zone defense, allowing points 82 percent of the time.

Big Ten teams typically are much larger than Mid-American Conference teams, so if the Spartans get down the to goal line, the offensive line has to use its size advantage and make a hole for Spartans running backs to get into.
Advantage: Split

MSU quarterback Kirk Cousins (and maybe Keith Nichol) vs. Western Michigan pass defense

Cousins has proven to be one of the most talented quarterbacks in the Big Ten.

He’s made many clutch throws, but a struggling defense and struggling running game have overshadowed his performances.

Western Michigan is dead last in the MAC in passing defense, allowing 250 yards per game, so expect Cousins to shred the Western Michigan pass defense. Sophomore tight end Brian Linthicum has become a popular target in the past few weeks and that just adds another weapon to Cousins’ arsenal.

The Spartans are third in the Big Ten in total offense despite being just seventh in rush offense. If the Spartans running backs are stuffed, as they have been recently, Cousins might be called upon to air the ball out more, especially if Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller has a big game.

This game could quickly turn into a shootout and Cousins has the better weapons around him.
Advantage: Cousins