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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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first quarter turn over by the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

1. Pressuring Conor Rhoda, Gophers’ pass game

I went back and forth with this one. It was either the Spartans have to be weary of the Fleck fact as he’s a great motivator and knows how to get his guys geared up for games like this, or get pressure on Conor Rhoda. I decided on the latter because the defense must avoid a letdown.

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Goin on the road for a night game for the second time in three weeks won’t be easy for the Spartans, but the young defense proved it was up to the test last week. It must show that once again in Week 7.

Conor Rhoda is a senior starter who hasn’t been all that great this season. He’s shaky with his completion rate and has been known to thrown an interception or two. Fleck admitted that he believes Rhoda is the best quarterback he’s got, so he has to roll with him.

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If Michigan State can ramp up the pressure on Rhoda in this one and force some errant throws, the Spartans will likely come away with some key turnovers and even a victory. Rhoda will not fare well under pressure from that defense.

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