Michigan State Football: 5 X-factors vs. Arizona State in Week 2
By Stephen Robb
Michigan State football goes to Tempe to take on the Arizona State Sun Devils. Can MSU not only beat the heat but the Sun Devils, too?
Football games in on the West Coast this time of year can be challenging. Not only does Michigan State have to battle a well-prepared Arizona State squad, but it will be dealing with the time difference, heat and then a late game.
Things games are always dicey this time of year because MSU is still figuring things out. Plus, there is not much game tape of Sun Devil coach Herm Edwards in the college ranks.
The Sun Devils present many challenges for the Spartans. They have a high-octane offense featuring quarterback Manny Wilkins. He can do it all. He moves well in the pocket and he has a multitude of weapons.
The defense could give the Spartans fits when comes to the Arizona State blitz packages. They use only three down linemen, but on blitzes, they bring multiple guys from differing angles. The Spartans have already shown that they are unable to handle the edge last week.
This is not an easy test for MSU. However, in order for the Spartans to eke out a win, they will need the help of these five x-factors.