MSU junior quarterback Brian Hoyer vs. Boston College secondary
Boston College owns the worst pass defense in the Atlantic Coast Conference but for whatever reason has the most interceptions. If Hoyer gets enough protection, he should be able to pick apart the Eagles’ pass defense. A large part of that will depend on whether the Spartans running game can open up the pass — but while the Eagles own the worst pass defense, they own the conference’s best run defense.
Edge: Push
Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan vs. MSU secondary
Matt Ryan is a dangerous quarterback. He has thrown for 28 touchdowns and 4,258 yards. He will throw for a few more against the Spartans, who have allowed 19 passing touchdowns. The Spartans haven’t faced a quarterback anywhere near Ryan’s caliber — it could be a painful learning experience.
Edge: Ryan
MSU running backs vs. Boston College run defense
Although Boston College has the ACC’s best run defense, running backs Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick have been near impossible for anyone to stop. MSU leads the Big Ten with 29 rushing touchdowns. If MSU is going to win this game, the running backs must perform.
Edge: MSU
Boston College running back Andre Callender vs. MSU run defense
Callender is a do-it-all running back, and he will do a lot to the Spartans’ defense. Callender ranks fourth in the ACC in both rushing yards and receptions per game, accounting for 13 total touchdowns. The Spartans have done an adequate job stopping the run but with most of MSU’s attention centered on Ryan, Callender might have a solid game.
Edge: Callender
MSU junior wide receiver Devin Thomas vs. Boston College cornerback DeJuan Tribble
Thomas leads the conference in receiving yards and has been unstoppable throughout the season. There’s no reason to suggest Tribble will slow Thomas, especially when the 6-foot-2 receiver stands five inches taller than his opponent.
Edge: Thomas
Boston College wide receiver Brandon Robinson vs. MSU junior cornerback Kendell Davis-Clark
Davis-Clark hasn’t impressed against other team’s top wideouts, which has caused MSU head coach Mark Dantonio to experiment with other cornerbacks against the opposing team’s biggest threats. With Ryan throwing the ball, Davis-Clark could very well end up looking foolish. But, if he makes the plays, he might look like a genius.
Edge: Robinson
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
