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Michigan State Football: 5 players to watch vs. Wisconsin

By Michael Briggs

Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chris Frey (23) gestures to the sidelines during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chris Frey (23) gestures to the sidelines during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Alex Hornibrook (12) shows a pass during the third quarter against the Georgia State Panthers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Alex Hornibrook (12) shows a pass during the third quarter against the Georgia State Panthers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin will be starting a new quarterback in redshirt freshman Alex Hornibrook against the Spartans. The West Chester, Pa. native relieved starter Bart Houston against Georgia State, leading the Badgers down the field for three scores in his first four possessions. With a final stat line of 122 yards and a touchdown, the relief performance was inspiring, but the decision to name Hornibrook the starter is an interesting one.

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While he revitalized a stagnant Wisconsin offense against Georgia State, the Spartans defense poses an entirely different level of competition. Hornibrook has shown poise and efficiency in his two appearances this season, but is he truly capable of giving Wisconsin the offensive balance it needs to move the ball against a stout MSU run defense?

With such a small sample size, it’s impossible for anyone to know for sure, but if Wisconsin feels strongly enough to demote a senior in Houston, there’s definitely something there. Besides, while Houston was able to lead Wisconsin to a win over LSU, he looked incapable of running the Badgers offense against a 35-point underdog in Georgia State.

We may not know for certain if Hornibrook is starting until gameday and the lack of game tape on the young lefty at least makes the situation a bit more difficult for MSU to prepare for. Whichever QB does make the start, one thing is for sure: Wisconsin is going to need a lot of assistance from its running game to beat the Spartans.

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