Central Michigan vs Michigan State: 5 bold predictions

Sep 19, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Cooper Rush (10) warms up prior to the game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse won 30-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

5. ‘No Fly Zone’ will surrender 400 yards through the air

The Chips are led by former Lansing Catholic quarterback Cooper Rush, who commands a 14th-ranked passing attack that averages 341 yards per game.

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Michigan State only gave up 149 passing yards to Air Force last week, but that came on only nine passing attempts from the Falcons’ run-heavy triple option offense.

The Spartans gave up 309 passing yards to Oregon and were gashed for 365 by Western Michigan.

The bad news doesn’t end there.

Michigan State’s secondary is now weaker than it was against Oregon, thanks to starting cornerback Vayante Copeland breaking a vertebrae in his neck late in that game.

Now, the Spartans must turn to Arjen Colquhoun and Jermaine Edmondson, who have looked shaky at best this season. Darian Hicks may be another option as he is back to 100 percent health after battling mono. But Hicks lost his starting job last year after getting torched on deep balls, especially against Ohio State.

If Michigan State wants to fulfill its goals of winning the Big Ten and playing for a national championship, it must find an answer at cornerback.

Mark Dantonio mentioned this week the possibility of giving a couple true freshmen cornerbacks a shot. We could see Josh Butler or David Dowell take a crack at it this weekend.

A weakened secondary and a potent passing attack is going to equal big yards through the air for Central Michigan.

Next: 4. Defense holds CMU under 50 rushing yards