Michigan State Football: 5 keys to victory vs. Minnesota in Week 7

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Tyriq Thompson #17 of the Michigan State Spartans leads the team onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 30: Linebacker Chris Frey #23 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after recovering a fumble by wide receiver Brandon Smith of the Iowa Hawkeyes and returning it 11 yards during the third quarter at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Iowa 17-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

4. Michigan State must win the turnover battle

Michigan State beat Michigan largely in part due to an opportunistic defense as well as Brian Lewerke being careful with the pigskin.

They must continue this trend in order to beat a scrappy Golden Gophers team. Minnesota is not a team to toy around with and if Michigan State can get a few early drives for points, then this contest could be over in the first half.

That would be what Dantonio would like, however, it is all dependent upon not turning over the ball. Michigan State had troubles early on in the season and could have blown Bowling Green and Western Michigan out by more. Also, turnovers cost the Spartans in the game against Notre Dame.

This is a talented young team and hopefully they have learned the valuable lesson from the Irish loss.

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