Jonathan Smith has lived to see another week, and Michigan State football fans don’t know how to feel. On one hand, it’s good to see he’s getting a shot to turn things around, and on another, it’s hard to see big-name programs enter the coaching search before Michigan State.
Smith is now preparing for a tough road game against Minnesota, but the Spartans are just three-point underdogs heading into Saturday’s showdown.
What disadvantages do the Spartans face against Minnesota?
1. Minnesota’s OL vs. Michigan State’s DL
Minnesota ranks 73rd in the country in sacks allowed per game and the Spartans are 78th in sacks per game. This likely means that the Gophers are going to hold Michigan State’s defense in check, well, because every offensive line seems to do so these days. Michigan State hasn’t generated a very solid rush this season and Minnesota has done just good enough to protect Drake Lindsey.
Until I see a consistent pass rush, I’m just going to mark this down as a disadvantage every week for teams with average offensive lines.
2. Minnesota’s DL vs. MSU’s depleted OL
In case you haven’t realized it yet, Michigan State’s offensive line has taken a beating. The Spartans have lost several key starters throughout the season, and the latest might be Stanton Ramil (again).
Minnesota is fifth in the nation in sacks per game while the Spartans’ offensive line has given up a whopping 23 over eight games. That’s a recipe for disaster and whoever starts under center might just be running for their life.
3. Road woes
This one is an obvious disadvantage for the Spartans: they’re horrible away from home. Michigan State is 0-3 on the road this season with the average margin of defeat being about 17 points.
While Minnesota isn’t exactly dominant at home, the Gophers have beaten Rutgers, Nebraska, and Purdue at home, which is three more Big Ten victories than the Spartans have. Minnesota doesn’t have the best home-field advantage, but it’s going to play a role and Michigan State hasn’t shown that it can win away from Spartan Stadium — or really at Spartan Stadium.