Central Michigan vs Michigan State: 5 players to watch

Sep 19, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Cooper Rush (10) passes the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

This one shouldn’t come as much of a surprise seeing as Cooper Rush is the leader of this team and he has one of the best passing attacks in the MAC — yes, even better than Western Michigan’s led by Zach Terrell, at least right now.

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With a very mediocre run game, averaging just 84 yards per week on the ground, Rush will be forced into leading this team as the Spartans will attempt to slow down the senior quarterback from Charlotte, Mich.

On the season, Rush has passed for 983 yards and five touchdowns with three interceptions while completing a very impressive 70 percent of his passes. It’s hard to believe that he has trouble staying comfortable in the pocket based off these numbers, but his offensive line has already surrendered nine sacks.

Michigan State will need to make sure that they put pressure on Rush, because when he gets enough time, he’s very hard to stop. He even showed that in week three against Syracuse in which he put up 430 yards and two touchdowns with a 73 percent completion rate.

It will be difficult not to be able to keep an eye on Rush seeing as he throws the ball over 40 times per game. This is someone who could really hurt the MSU defense.

Next: 1. L.J. Scott