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Michigan State Football: 5 reasons the Spartans will beat Northwestern in Week 9

By Connor Muldowney

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans hands off the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spartans defeated the Gophers 30-27. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans hands off the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spartans defeated the Gophers 30-27. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Riding a four-game winning streak, Michigan State football is looking to make it five against Northwestern. Here’s why the Spartans will beat the Wildcats.

Can this season get any better for the young Spartans? Actually, yes. Michigan State football travels to Evanston on Saturday afternoon to take on a pesky Northwestern team that always seems to play the Spartans tough. That will be no different this season, despite the Wildcats’ 4-3 overall record.

Mark Dantonio has his team prepared and improving to 5-0 to begin the season is something no one thought would be possible when the year began. If the Spartans do get the victory, they will hold their fate in their own hands going up against Penn State in Week 10.

Northwestern has had an up-and-down year, but the Wildcats will no doubt he ready for the Spartans. Pat Fitzgerald always seems to get these guys fired up to play Michigan State and that will make Saturday’s game that much more intriguing.

Here’s why the Spartans will come out on top and take down the Wildcats.

5. Michigan State’s run defense vs. Justin Jackson

Let’s dive into the numbers for a minute. Justin Jackson has 603 yards and six touchdowns on 4.5 yards per carry this season, falling behind the pace from his career season in 2016. Jackson does have three 100-yard games this season, but outside of those, he hasn’t averaged over 4.1 yards per carry.

Michigan State will be his toughest test to date. Although Jackson has faced off against Iowa, Wisconsin and Penn State, the Spartans have a knack for stopping the run, ranking eighth in the entire country. In fact, Michigan State allows just about 93 yards per game on the ground.

Against Iowa, Penn State and Wisconsin, Jackson has a total of 184 yards and no touchdowns on just 3.7 yards per carry. He will be held in check against the Spartans’ strong front-seven Saturday and that could mean his worst performance yet. Either way, it’ll be a long day for Jackson.

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