Michigan State Football: 3 reasons Spartans will upset No. 6 Michigan

2. MSU’s receivers will be too much for Michigan’s secondary

We saw a year ago just how much talent was lacking in Michigan’s secondary. The Wolverines have been much better this year under a couple of new coaches, however. Ditching Don Brown seemed to be the best move for that side of the ball as this looks like a completely different team defensively.

However, Michigan State’s receivers, too, have gotten better.

Last year it was Ricky White who was doing all of the damage, but this time around, the Spartans have two guys who are on pace to approach 1,000 yards on the season and both have speed to burn. Jalen Nailor’s nickname is literally “Speedy” and Jayden Reed has had an elite connection with Payton Thorne all season long.

Add in Tre Mosley who has been a pleasant surprise and a guy like Connor Heyward who can impact the passing game and really put pressure on the linebackers, and you have a recipe for success against a secondary that hasn’t yet been tested.

Michigan ranks 20th nationally in passing yards allowed per game, but the Wolverines have played just one team (Nebraska) that ranks in the top 50 in passing. Plus, four of their opponents ranked 90th or worse in passing.

Nailor, Reed, Mosley, and Heyward should have big days.