Michigan State Football: 5 reasons Spartans will upset No. 6 Michigan

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Chris Frey #23 of Michigan State Spartans celebrate with his teammates a win over Michigan Wolverines with the Paul Banyun trophy at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 13: Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans and Raequan Williams #99 of the Michigan State Spartans tackle Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 13, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

4. Defense has formula for success against top dual-threats

Michigan State’s defense uncovered the winning formula against a dual-threat quarterback who has plenty of weapons at his disposal.

Last week against Trace McSorley, the defense made the correct adjustments, forced the Penn State quarterback into some uncomfortable, rushed situations and he faltered more than he had all season, accounting for less than 200 yards passing and under 40 rushing yards. Shea Patterson will suffer the same fate against this improving defense.

The secondary looked strong against Penn State’s wide outs, especially down the field, and they will hold Michigan’s receivers in check. There will be some coverage sacks on Saturday, but the push from the Spartans’ front will be strong.

Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk will get in Patterson’s face while Kenny Willekes and Jacub Panasiuk will collapse on him. They’ll keep him in the pocket and Mike Tressell will have no problem dialing up the blitz packages for this one.

The defense will build on last week’s performance.

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