After a poor start, the MSU football team has fought back to a 3-3 record and a 2-1 record in the Big Ten. The Spartans still can contend for the Big Ten title and the schedule favors them, but in order to continue the rise, the Spartans will have to get by Northwestern (4-2 overall, 1-1 Big Ten) in this weekend’s Homecoming game. Northwestern is a team that uses a high-tempo offense in an attempt to tire out opposing defenses. The Wildcats have upset the Spartans in the teams’ last two meetings in East Lansing, most recently in 2007 — an overtime loss that was also on Homecoming. Despite Northwestern’s favorable schedule this far, the Spartans should not overlook a Wildcats team looking to make its second consecutive bowl. Here are four matchups that will determine Saturday’s outcome.
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka vs. MSU secondary
The Spartans’ secondary had struggled against spread teams this year such as Central Michigan and Notre Dame, but has improved the past two weeks against Michigan and Illinois. Kafka is second in the Big Ten in passing yards and is among the nation’s leaders in completion percentage. The majority of his completions are short passes that lead to long, time-consuming drives that wear down opposing defenses. The Spartans played against a similar offense when they met the Chippewas at home and were shredded by quarterback Dan LeFevour. The biggest reason for the Spartans’ defensive turnaround is because the defensive line has gotten pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If the Spartans front four can pressure Kafka, the secondary should have another strong game. If not, then we will have to see if the unit has learned from the Central Michigan debacle.
Advantage: Split
MSU offensive line vs. Northwestern front four
The Spartans have been great at protecting their quarterbacks, allowing only six sacks in six games, tops in the Big Ten. But Northwestern has been able to get tremendous pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season. Wildcats defensive end Corey Wootton is one of the top defensive ends in the nation, but may not play because of a lingering knee injury. If Wootton plays, the Spartans’ offensive line will have to know where he is at all times. If he sits, the MSU quarterbacks should have all day to throw.
Advantage: MSU
MSU quarterbacks vs. Northwestern secondary
Both sophomores Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol have led the Spartans to the No. 1 spot for passing offense in the Big Ten, but Northwestern has a veteran secondary with All-Big Ten candidates. With sophomore running back Glenn Winston out for the year, the Spartans running game could struggle, leaving more attention on the passing game. Both Cousins and Nichol are nursing injuries, which could hamper their abilities. The Spartans’ wide receivers have been running routes well this season and, with the exception of a few drops last week, have been catching the ball much better this season. But given the success both Nichol and Cousins have had this week, the MSU quarterbacks should be able to find some holes in the Wildcats secondary.
Advantage: MSU
MSU sophomore receiver Keshawn Martin vs. Northwestern punt coverage
Wildcats punter Stefan Demos is dead last in punting in the Big Ten this season. This could provide an opportunity for Martin, who has been unable to return many kicks this season. If Northwestern kicks some short, line-drive punts, Martin could be able to show off his skill and athletic ability and bring one back for the Spartans, who lost a kick return weapon in Winston. The Spartans’ punt return coverage has been poor recently, but some bad punts could offset the bad coverage and allow Martin to spring loose for a big gain, something the Spartans have rarely seen out of their punt return game since head coach Mark Dantonio took the reins.
Advantage: Split
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