Michigan State Football: 5 reasons Spartans will beat Maryland in Week 12

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Jacub Panasiuk #96 of the Michigan State Spartans is congratulated by his brother, defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk #72 of the Michigan State Spartans, after sacking quarterback Peyton Ramsey of the Indiana Hoosiers for a 4-yard loss during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Jacub Panasiuk #96 of the Michigan State Spartans is congratulated by his brother, defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk #72 of the Michigan State Spartans, after sacking quarterback Peyton Ramsey of the Indiana Hoosiers for a 4-yard loss during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

3. Michigan State run defense will stymy Maryland’s backs

In our bold prediction article for this game, holding Maryland’s running backs in check was mentioned. More specifically, we stated that the Spartans would hold both Lorenzo Harrison and Ty Johnson to under 75 yards combined, which would be an impressive feat given what happened last weekend in Columbus.

The Spartans were gashed by the Buckeyes to the tune of 300-plus yards on the ground and it was Mike Weber and JK Dobbins who had field days. Harrison and Johnson each had over 100 yards against the Spartans last season, but they will combine for just under 75 this year as Michigan State’s run defense has been stout for 90 percent of its games.

It’s not easy to crack 100 yards against the Michigan State run defense, but the Buckeyes made it look easy. With the Spartans watching film religiously this week and learning from that Ohio State loss, Maryland will be in for a long day. There’s a reason the Spartans’ run defense was third in the country through 10 weeks after facing backs like Saquon Barkley, Josh Adams, Akrum Wadley, Karan Higdon, Justin Jackson and Rodney Smith.

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