Michigan State-Northwestern: College Football Pre-Game Primer

Pre-Game Primer

Michigan State (5-1) at Northwestern (5-0)

Date: Oct. 11, 2008

Location: Ryan Field, Evanston, IL

Game Time: 2:30 p.m. CT

On Air: ESPN 2, 720 AM

Line: Michigan State by three

Northwestern can win if...

...they don’t let Javon Ringer beat them.  Ringer has been the best playmaker in the conference (maybe the nation) and will be looking to build on his already impressive 2008 season.  Averaging over 164 yards per game, Ringer has found the end zone a nation-leading 12 times.

Northwestern defensive tackle John Gill will need to provide a consistent push on the line to disrupt the Spartans' rushing attack.

Wildcat quarterback C.J. Bacher needs to be the game manager he has been through the first five games, despite MSU’s banged-up secondary.  His history against the Spartans is fantastic, and he’s coming of an impressive win over Iowa, but letting the ball fly on every play isn’t going to cut it in this game.  If he continues to use all of his receivers, as he has done frequently this season, the chains will be moving all afternoon. 

Running back Tyrell Sutton shouldn’t have trouble against an average Michigan State defense.  The bye week allowed Sutton to rest his less than 100 percent hamstring, and he will most likely have another productive Saturday.

NU offensive coordinator Mick McCall has to run the ball early and often, taking advantage of a healthy Sutton and a receiving corps that has really come on as of late.

Northwestern will struggle if...

...they lose the time of possession battle.  Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer has one mission: Hand the ball to Ringer.  The Spartans can keep drives alive by running the ball on almost every play, as they have done for a majority of the season.

If Northwestern can’t at least contain the running game (forget stopping it) and try to make Hoyer beat them, the contest could quickly turn into “The Javon Ringer Show.”  Remember, Ringer is a favorite for the Heisman Trophy, and MSU head coach Mark Dantonio will do all he can to get his senior the award.

Wildcat defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz has received a lot of praise so far and is one of the big reasons Northwestern is undefeated.  However, Hankwitz has yet to face a talent like Ringer in 2008 and will have to implement some new plays to keep his numbers in check.  The heavy blitz scheme Hankwitz likes to use will need to be toned down as the linebackers are better off playing zone for this matchup.

Northwestern players to watch

Running back Tyrell Sutton

Fully recovered from a pulled hamstring, Sutton will once again try to be the one surefire threat of the Wildcats.  A touchdown in this game is almost a guarantee.

Wide receiver Rasheed Ward

Coming off a 10-reception effort against Iowa, Ward has earned the trust of Bacher and will no doubt be targeted in the end zone and on third downs.

Defensive tackle John Gill

The senior has been a force in four games so far, making plays from sideline to sideline and helping Northwestern become the dominant defense they are.  Look for Gill to be double-teamed by the Spartans as they know that no one can run through him.

Michigan State players to watch

Quarterback Brian Hoyer

After throwing for 321 yards against Cal in the opening game, Hoyer has since only broken the 200-yard plateau once.  Obviously, Ringer is the focal point of the offense, but a good passing game allows for a productive running game.  Hoyer will need to make a few big plays for the Wildcats to take him seriously.

Running back Javon Ringer  

The nation’s second leading rusher with 988 yards will have the spotlight on him from beginning to end as Hankwitz tries anything and everything to stop the talented senior.  Going against Ringer will give the highly-rated defensive line its first true test of their abilities.

Linebacker Adam Decker

If his name doesn’t strike enough fear into the opposition, his game sure will.  Versus Iowa last weekend, Decker made a huge stop on 4th-and-1, dropping running back Shonn Greene for a loss and preserving the Spartans' 16-13 win.  He will be looking to do the same against Sutton.

Most Telling Statistic

Against Michigan State last season, Bacher set a school record with 520 passing yards, upsetting the Spartans 48-41 in overtime.

Prediction

This is going to be a great game and could come down to the final possession.  History says when these teams meet the game is going to be close.  Over the last two years, the score has been decided by seven points or less.

Javon Ringer alone is worth the price of admission, but look for some big plays from both teams, as this has all the makings of a classic shootout.

Now that classes have finally started in Evanston, attendance is expected to be at a season high.  Rumor has it that a “Purple Haze,” much like the Chicago White Sox's recent “Blackout,” is secretly being planned by the fans, who will be dressed from head to toe in purple paraphernalia.  However, all it takes is two quick scores by MSU to put an end to any preconceived momentum. 

There is a serious buzz on campus right now that just makes me think the Wildcats are for real—and from a pure analyst standpoint, I believe it.

Northwestern 27, Michigan State 24