MSU: Time To Break The 'LeFevour'

    I make no promises that what you are about to read will win you money with your bookie and I will admit my Spartan lean is transparent.   I've been watching the Green & White play for the 24 years of my existence and this is as excited as I have been for a Spartan football team since the Saban era.  For now, let's talk predictions for the Michigan State Spartans versus the Central Michigan Chippewas.

    Michigan State comes into this game as a favorite and the Spartans should dominate this game with their depth, size, and speed.  The Chippewas do have one intangible—Dan LeFevour the star Quarterback.  There is no doubt he is a game changer and will present some challenges for the Spartan defense due to his ability to make plays out of the pocket.

    The CMU offense will spread the field and be looking to get LeFevour out of the pocket in order to slow down the MSU pass rush.  They will have early success with quick slants and short out routes against an aggressive blitzing scheme.  LeFevour will show that his skill is not hype and that he could play on sundays but that will not equate to points on the board.

    Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi will make adjustments and by the second quarter the MSU D-line will impose itself on a weak pass blocking unit.  Look for the Spartan defense to utilize the rumored 3-4 defensive scheme and the depth at linebacker to negate the quick slants the spread offense is predicated on.  I would expect Greg Jones to lead the team in tackles again this week and Trevor Andersen to notch two sacks.  Chris Norman will have a coming out party and will see extensive time and push Dantonio to move him up the depth chart.

    Mark Dantonio will be using this game to make a decision on his starting QB and Keith Nichol's athleticism will be the deal breaker.  The offense is going to grind it out on the ground and I would expect superstar freshman Larry Caper to solidify his spot on the depth chart and begin his push to be number one.  Blair White and the receiving corps will exploit the CMU secondary due to the effectiveness of the play action pass in the second half.

    The speed, size, and strength of the MSU defense will overwhelm LeFevour and the Chippewas offense and notch at least 5 sacks.  Larry Caper will lead the MSU rushing attack with over 100 yards on the ground and a touchdown.  Keith Nichol will push himself up the depth chart and solidify the start against Notre Dame with over 200 yards passing and 40 yards on the ground.  Central will get an early field goal and a late touchdown from senior QB LeFevour.

Prediction:

MSU 34 CMU 10