3 advantages Michigan State football has over Washington in Week 3

1. Michigan State’s run game vs. Washington’s run defense

You have to take the raw stats with a grain of salt this early in the season. Judging teams by yards gained or allowed per game after two weeks is not an indicator of a trend but it could actually be an outlier for certain teams but after watching both Washington and Michigan State play this year, it seems obvious that the Spartans hold a distinct advantage: the run game.

Washington is 74th in the nation in rushing yards allowed (yes, I know it’s been two weeks) while Michigan State is 24th in rushing yards per game.

The Huskies have allowed nearly 150 rushing yards per game against Kent State and Portland State which is a good sign for the Spartans who want to establish the run. The Spartans’ dedication to the run may just decide this game.

Through two weeks, Michigan State has depended heavily on the run game with Payton Thorne not playing up to par and it has averaged 228.5 yards per game on the ground with seven touchdowns on an impressive 5.7 yards per carry. And the offensive line has opened the necessary holes and plans to keep asserting its dominance against a Washington defensive front that’s still trying to gel.

And then there’s this stat:

Michigan State’s run game against Washington’s run defense may be the biggest advantage either team has in this game, immediately followed by Michael Penix vs. the Spartans’ pass defense.