Spartans Must Rely on Depth Against Northwestern.

Michigan State is working hard to salvage its season after a less-than-stellar start.

After falling into a 1-3 hole, the team has evened things out in terms of its record and its play on the field. The victory over Michigan was a season-saving victory, and a rather-lopsided victory over the lowly Illini has increased the team’s confidence.

However, with injuries ailing the team’s two quarterbacks, Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol, depth will be the key to continuing success on the offensive side of the ball and letting the defense rest on the sideline.

Maybe freshman Andrew Maxwell, the team’s third QB on the depth chart, will be used if the circumstances are dire (although it still seems unlikely).

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said his team has the depth to stay fresh at certain positions, along with being able to plug different guys into different spots and still expect solid results.

Though, the quarterback situation is not the only point of concern for Dantonio.

Running back Glenn Winston, a player many considered as the team’s top tailback over the last few weeks, is out for the season with a torn ACL. Freshman Larry Caper (who scored the winning touchdown in overtime against Michigan) and red-shirt freshman Caulton Ray are expected to get the bulk of the carries, but even more backs may be used if the situation calls.

Having a plethora of players at skill positions, along with being able to rotate defenders in and out of a game during opponents’ drives, is definitely a luxury to have.

In losses to Wisconsin and Central Michigan, the Spartans were being worn out on defense by long drives. Not producing turnovers didn’t help their cause, either.

The Spartans beat the Wildcats 37-20 last season, a game in which Dantonio has cited his team’s willingness to produce on both sides of the ball and help each other in certain situations.

If the Spartans expect a victory on the school’s homecoming game, they will need players to step up and take advantage of opportunities left out on the field.