Through three weeks, Michigan State football remains undefeated.
The Spartans' defense stole the show in the opener against Western Michigan, but it's been the offense over the past two weeks that has led Michigan State to wins over Boston College and Youngstown State. It's almost like the defense has forgotten how to defend.
Michigan State is facing its toughest test of the season in Week 4, however, as USC is next up on the schedule. The Spartans will get the Trojans on Saturday night (basically Sunday morning) at 11 p.m. ET.
Here are my biggest concerns heading into that matchup.
1. Pass defense
Jayden Maiava has been one of the best quarterbacks in the country this season, averaging over 300 yards per game through the air as the Trojans have the nation's sixth-best passing offense.
On the flip side, Michigan State has one of the worst pass defenses in the country, allowing just under 275 yards per game through the air. Is that concerning? Absolutely.
If there's one area in which USC can gash the Spartans, it's through the air.
2. Offensive line's (lack of a) push
In the first game of the season, I was ready to declare the offensive line officially "back". But all it took was eight days for that notion to be crushed. The offensive line got a ton of push against Western Michigan (while still struggling in pass protection), but it wasn't as effective against Boston College nor Youngstown State.
The run lanes weren't as wide as they were against Western Michigan, and the fact that Makhi Frazier had just 12 carries for 22 yards against an FCS team was rather concerning.
USC has the nation's No. 21 run defense, so if Michigan State becomes one-dimensional, that's likely game over for the Spartans.
3. Getting into a shootout
If there's one thing that Michigan State should not want, it's a shootout. Getting into a shootout with the nation's No. 2 scoring offense isn't exactly what the Spartans should be hoping for, especially since USC also has the No. 1 total offense.
Yes, Michigan State's offense has improved drastically this year, but it's not like it's been tested against top-tier defenses. USC may not have an elite defense, but it's better than what the Spartans have seen to this point. They don't want to get into a shootout with a team that is averaging over 50 points per game this year.
Unfortunately, I have a feeling that's going to happen. And if it does, it won't end well.