One week after No. 16 MSU’s 37-6 loss to No. 15 Iowa, the Spartans have a chance to get back on the winning track Saturday when they welcome Minnesota to Spartan Stadium (noon, Big Ten Network).
MSU (8-1 overall, 4-1 Big Ten) will go into the game not only looking to redeem itself after last week’s blowout loss, but also seeking revenge against the Golden Gophers (1-8, 0-5), who beat the Spartans, 42-34, on Halloween last season.
As Saturday approaches and MSU prepares to play for its ninth win of the season, here are some key points in the matchup between the Spartans and Minnesota.
MSU defense vs. Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber
A starter since his freshman year, senior quarterback Adam Weber is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the Big Ten. In the Golden Gophers’ victory against MSU last season, Weber had the best game of his career, going 19-for-31 with 416 yards and five touchdowns.
Through nine games, the senior has thrown for 2,123 yards and 19 touchdowns while also rushing for 102 yards. With the ability to spread the ball all over the field and make the linebackers cover the pass as well as the defensive backs, Weber will need another strong game to beat the Spartans.
Edge: Minnesota
Minnesota wide receivers vs. MSU secondary
If Weber wants to have a big day Saturday, his two main outside weapons at receiver — Da’Jon McKnight and MarQueis Gray — also will need impressive performances.
McKnight and Gray have 37 and 36 catches on the season, respectively, and have hauled in a total of 13 touchdowns. MSU sophomore cornerback Johnny Adams and senior cornerback Chris L. Rucker — who is listed as a starter for the first time since being released from jail last Thursday — will have their hands full against the Minnesota duo.
Edge: push
MSU running game vs. Minnesota front seven
After looking like one of the most dominant rushing attacks in the country in the first six weeks of the season, the Spartans have struggled in their last three games. Still, MSU boasts an average of 175.4 yards per game on the ground, good for fifth in the Big Ten. Meanwhile, Minnesota has been the worst run defense in the conference, giving up 201.8 yards per game.
Saturday’s game could be an opportunity for the trio of Spartan running backs to get back on track.
Edge: MSU
MSU head coach Mark Dantonio vs. Minnesota interim head coach Jeff Horton
On Oct. 17, the day after Minnesota dropped to 1-6 with a loss to Purdue, head coach Tim Brewster was fired. Golden Gophers offensive coordinator Jeff Horton replaced Brewster as the interim head coach and has gone on to lose his first two games in the position.
MSU head coach Mark Dantonio talked highly of Horton at his weekly press conference Tuesday. But in his third game in an unfavorable situation, Horton has the cards stacked against him when facing a fourth-year head coach in Dantonio.
Edge: MSU
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