Michigan Sports
A look at Michigan State vs. Minnesota
AP
Last Meeting: 2006, Minnesota, 31-18.
What’s at Stake:
Both teams face fork-in-the-road games as the final third of the season arrives. The Spartans are coming off a last-second, two-point home loss to No. 7 Iowa. The Gophers were blown out the last two games and lost star WR Eric Decker for the season. They must regain their confidence and might need to win three straight at home if they want to survive crowded competition for the Big Ten’s lower bowl slots.
Key Matchup
Michigan State LB Greg Jones vs. Minnesota QBs Adam Weber and MarQueis Gray. Jones leads the Big Ten and is second among NCAA FBS teams with 12.1 tackles per game to lead a defense that has 29 tackles for loss, including 16 sacks over the last four games. Weber has been struggling and though he remains the starter Gray is expected to play.
Players to Watch
Michigan State: WR Blair White. With Decker watching on the other sideline, White can cement himself as the Big Ten’s most prominent pass catcher. Only Purdue’s Keith Smith has more yards than Decker and White, a fifth-year senior who has turned 32 of his 48 receptions into either a first down or a touchdown.
Minnesota: WR Troy Stoudermire. A touchdown threat as a kickoff returner, the speedy sophomore will be counted on to give Weber — and Gray — a reliable target downfield with Decker out.
Facebook
MySpace
Digg
Stumble
Mixx
Fark
del.icio.us
LiveSpaces