Central Michigan vs Michigan State: 5 Spartans who will be X-factors

Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Darian Hicks (2) against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Darian Hicks is going to have a good game against Central this week. The junior cornerback is looking to make his presence felt after a very mediocre 2014 season in which he lost his starting job and this spring/fall when he was diagnosed with mono and had basically no shot to make up ground in the starting cornerback race.

Related: Central Michigan vs Michigan State: 5 players to watch for

All of the Hicks haters out there cringe when they watch him get his name called by Coach D and trot out onto the field, but this game will have a different feel.

In my estimation, Arjen Colquhoun will struggle early, and often. The senior corner, who was named starter in place of Vayante Copeland, will have a difficult time getting comfortable against the strong passing game of Central Michigan. Once he struggles, Hicks will be a welcomed sight.

Watch the junior cornerback come in and shut the door on Central’s passing attack — at least from one side of the field. This could be exactly the opportunity he needed to get his job back, and while you’d never want to wish an injury on a player, he will take advantage of Copeland being out.

Next: 4. Josiah Price