Michigan State Football: 3 keys to keep an eye on vs. Iowa

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Michigan State’s Ricky White, left, catches a touchdown as Michigan’s Gemon Green defends during the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.201031 Msu Um 046a /

2. Jay Johnson cannot take his foot off the gas

MSU’s offensive coordinator can ill afford to stop being aggressive with his play-calling. When you have a fearsome foursome as talented as Jalen Nailor, Ricky White, Jayden Reed and Tre Mosley — who should be set to return to the lineup soon from a leg injury — you spread them out and stay in attack mode.

Michigan State has had a tendency to become complacent with their offensive approach in years past when they have jumped-out to a lead. With the weapons at their disposal now, they must avoid the dull dive play. It’s been refreshing watching Lombardi connect downfield with his explosive playmakers, it breathes life into the entire team (and the Spartan fanbase for that matter) and lights up the scoreboard.

Purdue completed more than 30 passes and threw for 282 yards against Iowa. There is no reason MSU can’t duplicate that effort in this matchup and give their quarterback a memorable homecoming. David Bell (Boilermaker wideout) shook loose for 121 of those yards on his own (to go along with 3 touchdown grabs).

Michigan State has had a different receiving star each week. First it was Jayden Reed (11 catches, 128 yards, two touchdowns) then it was Ricky White (eight receptions, 196 yards and a score). Is it Jalen Nailor’s turn to shine?

Let it rip, Jay.

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