Central Michigan vs Michigan State: 5 bold predictions

Sept 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Air Force Falcons running back Jacobi Owens (28) is tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Jon Reschke (33) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

4. Defense holds CMU under 50 rushing yards

This may come as a shock considering Michigan State gave up nearly 300 yards on the ground against Air Force.

Must Read: Michigan State football recruiting roundup: Week 4

As Spartan fans will find out this season, that performance was an aberration. With tremendous size and talent in the front seven, Michigan State’s defense is built to be a top rushing defense. Michigan State held Western Michigan to a paltry 18 rushing yards and held Oregon’s explosive attack to just 123 yards.

Central Michigan has had a tough time on the ground this year, ranking dead-last in the FBS in rushing offense at 84 yards per game. Sophomore Devon Spalding is the team’s leading rusher with 36 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown. That 3.0 yards per carry is an indication of just how poorly this offense has struggled on the ground this season.

Jahray Hayes might have the best potential of any running back, but he has just about half as many carries this season as Spalding does — not a good sign for the Chips.

Add in the fact that the Chips will likely be playing from behind for most of the game, and that does not bode well for their ground game.

Next: 3. Sack party for the defense