Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Football: 5 players who need to step up vs. Michigan in Week 6

By Michael Briggs

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 17: Wide receiver Brandon Sowards #15 and running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans take the field before the college football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 17: Wide receiver Brandon Sowards #15 and running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans take the field before the college football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver Brandon Smith #12 of the Iowa Hawkeyes fumbles the ball when hit by cornerback Josiah Scott #22 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second 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 Brandon Smith #12 of the Iowa Hawkeyes fumbles the ball when hit by cornerback Josiah Scott #22 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Iowa 17-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

3

Josiah Scott CB

Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State Spartans /

Scouting Report

As an early enrollee, Josiah Scott had a leg up on his fellow true freshman to earn playing time. Given the lack of returning experience in the secondary, the cornerback certainly looked like a good candidate for a spot in the 2017 rotation. When he was announced as a starting corner for MSU’s Spring Game, some questioned whether that was due to the unit’s lack of talent or Scott’s upside. After four games, it certainly appears to be the latter.

Scott has been dominant thus far for the Spartans, grading as the top corner in the country at one point, according to Pro Football Focus. That’s a stunning accomplishment for a true freshman, but Scott’s work has just begun.

Michigan’s offense has not been on-par with other national title contenders through four games, but it did look better with John O’Korn taking snaps two weeks ago against Purdue. With freshman receiver Tarik Black out, O’Korn could look to junior Grant Perry often after targeting him twice in limited action against the Boilermakers. Fair or not, MSU needs Scott to play like a shutdown corner against the Wolverines.

Michigan may not be explosive on offense, but the Spartans certainly could have their own troubles offensively against the Wolverines’ stout defense. Limiting big plays through the air and forcing a turnover would go a long way for the Spartans in their bid for a road win.

Home/Spartans Football