Michigan State Football: 5 breakout candidates vs. Minnesota in Week 7
By Stephen Robb
Michigan State football will hit the road to take on Minnesota in Week 7 and here are five Spartans who could break out.
Michigan State football will take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers this Saturday night. The Golden Gophers are reeling, but head coach PJ Fleck always has tricks up his sleeve for the Spartans.
The Spartans come into this game on a high from beating Michigan in the Big House. Mark Dantonio typically does well after Michigan week. However, Minnesota is an interesting team and Fleck has always given him fits. Yet this Gopher team is riddled with injuries and is in transition to a new style of play.
The Golden Gophers struggled against Buffalo in their opener and many pundits were surprised because it was assumed Fleck would walk in and take Minnesota to new heights. Fleck even has his own reality show on the Big Ten Network. However, things have not gone his way yet. Minnesota may still be possibly two years away from competing in the Big Ten West.
This game is an opportunity for the Spartans to get going on offense. They did just enough to beat Iowa and Michigan. The defense has proven it can carry this team.
Here are five players who could break out for the Spartans.
Trishton Jackson has yet to seize the opportunity laid before him. He was wide open and dropped the pass against Michigan for a crucial first down. It’s that lack of concentration that reminds you that he is just a sophomore with limited game experience still. It was a big moment and he took his eyes off the ball. He has the potential to be a No. 1 receiver.
Jackson rose to fame due to his outstanding spring game performance. Dantonio challenged him in August to show toughness and Spartan fans are still waiting to witness it. The talent is not in question as much as grit. Lewerke has proven to have chemistry with Felton Davis III and Darrell Stewart. Now it will be Jackson’s turn. He has the type of speed that can punish this Golden Gopher secondary.
Michigan State is going to need him later in this season when it faces Penn State and Ohio State. Look for the Spartans to get him going this game. Often if a player has a bad game or fumble (like LJ Scott), Dantonio will give that player opportunities in the next series or game. This game is Jackson’s opportunity.