Michigan State vs Oregon: 5 players who need to step up

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Nov 29, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Macgarrett Kings Jr. (3) catches a pass in front of Penn State Nittany Lions safety Marcus Allen (2) at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

3. Macgarrett Kings Jr.

Against Western Michigan, Aaron Burbridge and Josiah Price stepped up in the receiving corps to be Connor Cook’s main targets, especially in big down situations. Cook looked to Macgarrett Kings a few times but it never felt like they were truly in sync.

The offense is going to have to keep pace with Oregon in order to win this game and Kings is going to be a big part of this. As a slot and possession receiver, Michigan State needs more from him in this one. Kings must be able to move the chains and make plays in space.

Whether it’s on screens, slants or intermediate routes, the Spartans need to have Kings with the ball in his hands to help take the pressure off the running game and open the rest of the passing game up for other receivers.

Kings will need to end the game with at least eight catches and 90 yards.

This offense is truly clicking when the ball is distributed amongst its playmakers and Macgarrett Kings is one of the best on the team — he must get himself involved heavily.

Next: 2. Darien Harris

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