Michigan State Football: Preview, predictions vs. Bowling Green
By Stephen Robb
Michigan State football is set to kickoff the 2017 season against Bowling Green on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know.
A long, grueling offseason is about to end for Michigan State football. It faces a Bowling Green team that is also seeking a season of redemption. In 2015, the Falcons went 10-4, however, their then-head coach Dino Babers left for the Syracuse job. They went 4-8 in 2016 under first-year head coach Mike Jinks who was previously a RB coach at Texas Tech.
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Jinks noted to Elton Alexander of The Plain Dealer that after four straight years of bowl games that when he arrived there was a sense of “entitlement.” Also, Bowling Green had some attrition because of the coaching change in 2016 and they like MSU will play some of their young guys.
There are many similarities with these two teams. This is a new season and Bowling Green was adjusting to a new coach and concepts. Here is our preview of the game.
What to watch for on offense
Brain Lewerke will have the keys to offense and as we have witnessed over the years, the Spartans go as their QB does. They struggled with Andrew Maxwell in 2012 and then with Tyler O’Connor last season. Now, it is Lewerke’s turn.
Lewerke has received high praise from coach Mark Dantonio as well as his teammates. He has also shown flashes of greatness in spots, but MSU is going to need more from him in order to bounce back this season.
The Spartans also break in many new offensive lineman as well as young wide receivers. While Bowling Green is not known for their defensive prowess, they still could give a young offense trouble. MSU will again have a three-headed running back situation and as always Dantonio will ride the “hot hand.” I believe that “hot hand” will be LJ Scott. This is his time to break out and have the season many have longed hoped he would.
Mark Dantonio will want to get Lewerke going early and I would not be surprised if the Spartans came out throwing. Then as the game wears on, Sparty will most likely ground-and-pound. I anticipate each running back will have at least one series. This new Spartan offense will be a breath of fresh air compared to 2016.
Advantage: Michigan State
What to watch for on defense
The Spartan defense has a new look like the offense. One area of struggle the last many seasons has been the run-pass option. Michigan State has Dillon Alexander and Kelly Willekes as the starters coming off the edge. Willekes has a quick first and the Spartans should be able to get after the quarterback. In the limited action both saw last season they were impressive and they each remind me of Marcus Rush — the hard-working, bring your lunchpail type of players.
Bowling Green likes to run the football. Their quarterback Josh Morgan threw 15 interceptions last year along with 16 touchdowns and just over 2,000 yards passing. This is a good matchup for MSU out of the gate. While the Spartans have an inexperienced secondary, there is plenty of talent. This unit can excel, however, it will need to put everything together. Safeties Khari Willis and Matt Morrissey have some experience but will need to step up in their starter roles.
On a side note, Bowling Green brought in a 2016 recruit name Jarrett Doege out of Cooper High School in Lubbock. This kid is the real deal at QB. If things do not go well for Morgan then Doege may get the call.
Advantage: Michigan State
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Prediction
Bowling Green struggled mightily against Power Five teams last season, losing to Ohio State 77-10. Michigan State will have to stay disciplined and mistake free football. They are not going to crush the Falcons, but they will do better than last year’s win against Furman. My prediction is that the Spartans shine in this game and the new look offense and defense shows promise.
Final Score: Bowling Green 13, Michigan State 31