Michigan State Football: 5 reasons Spartans will beat No. 13 Ohio State

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans looks for yards after a second half catch in front of Manny Bowen #43 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 27-24. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 04: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans throws a second half pass while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 27-24. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

5. Michigan State’s passing game is taking off

The Northwestern game served as a shift in the MSU play-calling. Late in that game, and in overtime, Spartan coaches allowed Brian Lewerke to let loose and throw. While they lost the game, it was a pivotal moment for Lewerke’s development.

The true freshmen receivers have been nothing short of miraculous and the veteran receivers, like Felton Davis III and Darrell Stewart Jr., have been huge.

Michigan State entered the Penn State game realizing that the run game had not been working and, therefore, went to the passing game. Penn State coach James Franklin said Michigan State ran just enough to keep them honest defensively.

The Spartans picked their spots to run the ball, and even though they did not pick up huge chunks, they were not as bad as they had been. Heading into this game, I fully expect Lewerke to take to the skies again. Ohio State has struggled in the secondary this season. However, the Buckeyes’ pass rush has been dominant. It’ll be up to Lewerke to make the proper reads and execute.

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