Michigan State Football: Top 5 X-factors vs. Utah State in Week 1
By Stephen Robb
Michigan State football opens its 2018 campaign Friday night in East Lansing it takes on Utah State. Can the Spartans start the season off right with a win?
Utah State, like the Spartans, had a bounce-back 2017 — the Aggies doubled their win total from three to six. While they lost their bowl game, they do enter this season with sky-high expectations for themselves. Utah State is a sneaky-good team that could creep up on the Spartans.
The Aggies are coached by Matt Wells, who is entering his sixth season. Wells enjoyed some great success in 2013 and 2014 going 9-5 and 10-4. They have many returning starters, but some youth on both sides of the ball. Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio enters the game with 100 wins and looking for one more.
The Spartans, on paper, have the advantage but as the cliche goes, games aren’t played on paper. Michigan State will need to bring its ‘A’ game in order to pull out a win.
Here are some players who could be the X-factor in a winning effort.
Cody White was one of the talented wide receivers who saw some action in 2017 and he took advantage of it. He caught 25 passes for 356 yards, impressive for a true freshman.
At 6-foot-3, the former Mr. Football of Michigan has a bright future with the green and white. Senior wide out Felton Davis III will draw the attention from the defensive backs of USU, and that will enable White to have a stellar game.
White broke out in against Northwestern with a nine-catch, 165-yard performance last season. He proved he could be the go-to receiver for the Spartans but he also could be the heir apparent to Davis III after he graduates.
I anticipate that White will look to establish himself more in the passing. Also, he has more of an understanding of the offense. Look for him to catch a touchdown and go for over 100 yards receiving.