Michigan State Football: Justin Layne is key to victory over Arizona State

Justin Layne, not Brian Lewerke nor LJ Scott, will be the biggest key to victory for Michigan State football as it travels to Arizona State on Saturday night.

Believe it or not, Justin Layne is the key to beating Arizona State. The junior cornerback from Ohio has been an integral piece of Michigan State’s defense and that won’t change on Saturday as he’ll be tasked with shutting down the Sun Devils’ most prized offensive possession: N’Keal Harry.

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Harry, a junior wide out, finished his sophomore season with over 1,100 yards receiving and started the year strong with 140 yards and two touchdowns. He made some incredible plays, including eye-opening yards after catch against UTSA, but the Spartans think they have the man to shut him down.

No, it’s not going to be easy as Harry is an athletic specimen and he stands 6-foot-4 with both strength and speed to burn, but Layne is a former wide out, standing 6-foot-3.

Not often do tall receivers such as Harry get matched up with cornerbacks who have the same size and speed. The strength difference could play into it, but Layne is every bit as fast and athletic as Harry and if he can shut down the No. 1 receiver, Manny Wilkins and the rest of the Arizona State offense could be sent scrambling for second options.

Layne needs to put that first performance against Utah State behind him. He was caught in an altercation in the first quarter which nearly cost him playing time for Week 2, but he’s ready to move forward and grow as a player.

Michigan State has one of the toughest matchups in college football for Week 2, especially on the road in a Pac-12 After Dark feature, and Layne will be the most important piece to the puzzle.

Sure, Brian Lewerke and the success of the offense will be important, but if Layne plays poorly, the chances of victory in Tempe will be slim.