Youngstown State is next up on the schedule for Michigan State football, and it's a chance for the Spartans to build some confidence before facing USC in Los Angeles next weekend.
Getting on the same page and firing on all cylinders will be important against the Penguins on Saturday, especially if Michigan State is going to have a chance to beat the Trojans next week.
For that to happen, a few Spartans really need to step their games up.
These are the three guys who I believe need to have big games against the Penguins.
1. Jack Velling
Looking at the stats through two games, seeing Jack Velling all the way at the bottom of Michigan State's receiving list with one reception for three yards is disheartening.
We know that he was dealing with an injury during fall camp, which seemed to have set him back, but he has been non-existent on offense through two games. He's actually been outperformed by Michael Masunas and even true freshman Jayden Savoury. That can't happen to a John Mackey Award candidate.
I think everyone is dying to see him step it up against Youngstown State.
2. Jalen Thompson
I'm not saying Jalen Thompson hasn't been solid through two weeks, but I'd love to see him living in the backfield on Saturday afternoon, because I believe he's the one defensive end with the highest upside on the team. If he's getting after Beau Brungard on Saturday, I'll feel much better about the team's pass rush heading into the USC game.
On the season, Thompson has been pretty good, but he can do much better. He has six tackles and a sack so far this season. Expectations are on the rise.
3. Chrishon McCray
Another player who I don't think has been bad this season, by any means, and we have to understand that he came in during the offseason and is still learning an entirely new offense. However, the Spartans need a third receiver to step up and separate himself as a starter, and I think Chrishon McCray is the team's best option.
McCray had a strong showing against Boston College and he's up to four catches for 72 yards on the season, but he needs to be more consistent. He needs to show he can be WR3 in this offense.
I'll be looking for him to have a nice follow-up game on Saturday.