| Le'Veon Bell should quarterback Andrew Maxwell falter in his first start on the road. (US Presswire) |
No. 11 Michigan State Spartans (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten) at Central Michigan Chippewas (1-0, 0-0 MAC)
Kickoff: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
Spread: Michigan State by 22
Watchability: This will be a great game to assess Spartans QB Andrew Maxwell’s progression. After throwing three interceptions in his debut against Boise State, Maxwell will get a winnable game in a more hostile, road environment at Central Michigan. It’s also another chance to see Heisman candidate Le’Veon Bell feast on an inferior defense.
Shining Stars: Michigan State: Running back Le’Veon Bell has received (and deserved) much notoriety for his 210-yard, 44-carry performance in the win over Boise State. The Chippewas run defense, which allowed 187 yards per game last year, will only inflate Bell’s numbers. At 240 pounds, Bell is the same size or bigger than all of Central Michigan’s linebackers – who are all first-year starters. Central Michigan: Speaking of inflated numbers, running back Zurlon Tipton ran for career-highs of 180 yards and three touchdowns against Southeast Missouri State last Saturday. Tipton already surpassed his touchdown total (2) from 2011. It was just part of the Chippewas' 495 yards in a 38-27 victory.
Who could steal the show: Michigan State: Tight end Dion Sims emerged as one of Maxwell’s favorite targets in last Friday’s 17-13 victory over Boise State. Sims had 65 yards on a career-high seven receptions, more than double any Michigan State receiver not named Le’Veon Bell. The 6-5 target will tower over Central Michigan’s defenders and continue his emergence as one of the top tight ends in the conference. Central Michigan: Wideout Titus Davis caught four passes for 51 yards last week from senior QB Ryan Radcliff, who led the MAC with nearly 2,500 yards passing in league games last year. As a freshman, Davis experienced a breakout year with 44 catches and eight touchdowns and his efforts earned him a mention on Lindy’s Magazine’s all-MAC second team.
You going? Ranking the road trip: If you do make the trip to Mount Pleasant, Michigan for Saturday’s game, you’ll be among some of Maxwell’s closest friends. The junior, who’s from nearby Midland, used to watch Central Michigan every Saturday growing up, and has numerous friends who attend the university, The Detroit Free Press reported on Wednesday.
Magic Number: Michigan State: 5.7. The difference between the amount of yards Central Michigan averaged per carry vs. Southeast Missouri State (7.2 ypc) and the amount Michigan State’s defense allowed vs. Boise State (1.5 ypc).
Magic Number: Central Michigan: Minus-12. As in Central Michigan’s turnover margin during last year’s 3-9 season. The Chippewas had three turnovers last week, including an interception from Radcliff, who’s thrown 36 career interceptions.
The came will come down to: Whether Central Michigan can move the ball against Michigan State’s defense. The Spartans held Boise State to 206 total yards. They shouldn’t have a problem with the Chippewas.
Prediction: Michigan State 34-16
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