Michigan State Football: Top 5 X-factors vs. Central Michigan in Week 5
By Stephen Robb
Michigan State football takes on Central Michigan Saturday in what could be a contest that could decide whether the Spartans are trending up or down.
The Chippewas roll into East Lansing on Saturday for a day game against the Spartans. Michigan State has struggled mightily in its first three games and so has Central Michigan in its first four. The Chippewas held off a feisty Maine team for their first win while MSU is banged up along the offensive line as well as a key injury to LJ Scott.
This is the momentum-building game the Spartans have been waiting for — yes they take CMU seriously, however, the Chips have struggled on offense and defense so far this season.
The Spartans have been attempting, in the first three games, to figure out what type of team they will be. Mark Dantonio will “pound, green, pound” early and often in this game. He will be able to do it because Central has not been able to stop an FBS ground attack yet.
MSU proved against Indiana that it can move the pigskin if it throws, but not when it runs. Four games in, this is what the Spartans are and they are fortunately facing a mediocre Central Michigan squad.
They have a golden opportunity on Saturday to set up their season if they can get a solid easy win against CMU. It will build confidence and propel them into some tough early competition that will hopefully prepare them for the rigors of the Big Ten East.
Here are the five X-factors for the Spartans against Central Michigan.