Michigan State Football: 5 reasons the Spartans will lose to Michigan
By Stephen Robb
![EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver Nick Easley #84 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is tackled by cornerback Tre Person #24 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Iowa 17-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver Nick Easley #84 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is tackled by cornerback Tre Person #24 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Iowa 17-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a299ce284a805ef72cca7c94f7ab2a370921fd5ae67dd83521e8a11e4224bbe2.jpg)
2. Donovan Peoples-Jones will burn MSU’s special teams
There is no denying the talent of Donovan Peoples-Jones. He was the No. 1 player in the state of Michigan as well as a human highlight reel coming out of high school. The Spartans desperately wanted his services but Harbaugh won the day.
The freshman phenom sprinted back a punt return for 79 yards against Air Force. He’s dangerous. Special teams, especially kickoff and punt coverage, has been a weakness of the Spartans for the past few seasons. I was shocked when MSU continued to kick to Darius Philips of Western Michigan despite the fact he had burned them in the past. Of course he would get them again in their game earlier this year.
Michigan State has had mixed coverage results this season. They have looked good at times and at others, the coverage broke down. Michigan State’s decision to continue to kick to Philips was troubling. I anticipate that they will kick to Peoples-Jones and he will make them pay.