Michigan State football is gearing up for another important game, and although this one isn't coming against a Power Four foe or even an FBS opponent, Youngstown State has been a problem in the FCS through two weeks, mainly because of its quarterback's running ability.
The Spartans and Penguins are both 2-0 on the season, but one is trying to build confidence before Big Ten play begins next week against USC. The Spartans are trying to conjure some momentum heading into that road game with the Trojans, but they can't get caught looking ahead.
There are some concerns for the Spartans heading into the Week 3 battle against Youngstown State, and here they are.
1. Stopping Beau Brungard
This is obviously the biggest concern heading into the game because Beau Brungard, Youngstown State's quarterback, has become an issue for defenses so far this season. Although he's been playing mediocre FCS competition, 200-plus rushing yards per game at the quarterback position is nothing to overlook.
Clearly Brungard has the ability to run with the ball, and he doesn't go down easily.
I think Michigan State's run defense is ready, but over-committing to his ability to carry the rock could lead to some wide-open receivers down the field.
2. Becoming one-dimensional
Again, we have to consider the competition so far when we talk about this, but it's all we have to go off of so far this season. Youngstown State has been elite at stopping the run through two games, and that could greatly affect Michigan State's offensive game-plan.
Youngstown State, like Michigan State, has been much better against the run than the pass this season, and the Penguins' two opponents have become one-dimensional.
That can't happen on Saturday afternoon for the growth of the Spartans' offense.
3. Pressure on the quarterback
While Michigan State's offensive line hasn't been great in pass protection this season, I'm not too worried about the Spartans' ability to protect Aidan Chiles against Youngstown State.
I am, however, slightly worried about their ability to get to the opposing quarterback, which didn't happen at all against Boston College. Dylan Lonergan wasn't sacked once in a double-overtime thriller in Week 2. That's plenty of extra time and still no sacks -- disappointing, to say the least.
Brungard has only been sacked twice this season, but I'd like to see Michigan State's defensive front double or even triple that number on Saturday. I'm concerned that it won't happen, however.