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Michigan State Football: 5 bold predictions for November 2019

By Connor Muldowney

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 5: Elijah Collins #24 of the Michigan State Spartans fumbles the ball in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State recovered to set up their first field goal. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 5: Elijah Collins #24 of the Michigan State Spartans fumbles the ball in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State recovered to set up their first field goal. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 26: Running back Ricky Slade #3 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is pursued by defensive end Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Spartan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 26: Running back Ricky Slade #3 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is pursued by defensive end Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Spartan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

3. Defense holds every team under 100 rushing yards

Without Joe Bachie, this one’s going to be tough.

Even with Bachie, the Spartans haven’t been all that great on the defensive side of the ball over the last four games. But the run defense has actually been decent, holding Jonathan Taylor under 100 yards, keeping Penn State’s ground game in check as well as Indiana’s. It was JK Dobbins of Ohio State who did the most damage.

But the Spartans face a manageable month of November in terms of running backs. They’ll hold Illinois’ Reggie Corbin in check, step up to slow the red-hot Michigan rushing attack, stop Anthony McFarland of Maryland and just shut down Rutgers’ offense in general.

Will the secondary do a solid enough job to make sure the defense looks like like it did early in the year and last season? Maybe, but it’ll be that run defense that really makes a statement.

Michigan will be the toughest test, obviously, especially since the Wolverines’ run game has been dominant. If the Spartans can force Shea Patterson to throw, they’ll have a chance on the road — that’s a big if. But since we’re being bold, I’m going to say they do hold the run game in check.

Three games, three sub-100-yard performances on the ground by opponents.

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