Here are four individual matchups that will play a key in Saturday’s game…

MSU offensive line vs. Northwestern front seven

The Spartans’ running game was stalled last week, rushing for only 93 yards, but MSU football head coach Mark Dantonio said Tuesday the offensive line wants redemption this week.

Northwestern ranks 48th in the nation in rush defense, allowing 140.5 yards per game against a relatively light nonconference schedule and Minnesota and Purdue. The Spartans hope sophomore Edwin Baker, who is averaging 100.9 yards per game, and freshman Le’Veon Bell get back on track after totaling 36 combined yards last week.

Given the way MSU’s offensive line has played all season, it likely will keep the Wildcats’ hands tied all game.
Edge: MSU

Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa vs. MSU secondary

If Northwestern wins Saturday’s game, it probably will be the result of a big passing day.

Persa has hit 78 percent of his passes this season and has totaled 1,663 yards and 10 touchdowns. Coming off 300-yard performances in three of his last four games, Persa has the accuracy needed to hurt MSU’s cornerbacks and safeties if they don’t bring their “A” game.

Although Persa was held without a passing touchdown in the loss against Purdue, he has thrown only two interceptions this season. Jeremy Ebert leads a deep group of Northwestern receivers with 35 catches for 560 yards and five touchdowns.

The Spartans’ secondary continues to play exceptionally, following up a resilient, three-interception effort Oct. 9 against Michigan by recording three interceptions in last week’s win against Illinois. MSU has limited the big plays and ranks second in the Big Ten in pass efficiency defense and will try to keep everything short. However, Persa’s accuracy and ability to find a variety of receivers will provide a stiff test.
Edge: Northwestern

MSU special teams vs. Northwestern special teams

Sophomore kicker Dan Conroy hasn’t missed a kick this season and his 13-for-13 field goal start is the best in school history after a 4-for-4 performance against Illinois. He’ll be facing a veteran on the other side, though, as Northwestern’s Stefan Demos, who was a second-team All-Big Ten player last season, will try to correct an 8-for-13 start to the season.

Junior wide receiver Keshawn Martin is as dangerous as always. MSU’s special teams has been a secret ingredient to success this season, and will try to continue that.
Edge: MSU

Northwestern offensive line vs. MSU front seven

After limiting three straight quality rush offenses in the past three weeks, the MSU front seven will try to pressure a more pass-oriented offense this week. Persa is a dual-threat quarterback and leads the Wildcats with 295 yards rushing, and three players — Arby Fields, Jacob Schmidt and Mike Trumpy — are behind him with close to 150 yards on the season.

Sophomore defensive end Tyler Hoover will try to follow up his nine-tackle performance with an equally good effort and pressure Persa.

Edge: MSU