How Michigan State Football Can Upset No. 8 Washington

There is no biting around what is happening currently with Michigan State football. The program is in another state of turmoil due to external issues that are being addressed. With that said, there is still a game to be played on Saturday as the Spartans host No. 8 Washington.

Michigan State is currently a 16-point underdog against the Huskies as of Wednesday. With the off-the-field issues considered a factor, the Spartans seem to be counted out before this one even kicks off. MSU’s coaching staff has always preached having a ‘player-led team’, and now they need one more than ever. This game could prove how player-led this team truly is.

Here are the Spartans’ keys to beating No. 8 ranked Washington.

Offense: Starting Off Strong and Ball Control

This Washington team is known for their high-powered offense, but their defense has held up well against two teams better than the ones Michigan State has played. Similar to last season, the Huskies have stout linebackers and defensive backs with NFL potential.

This is the first big test for new MSU starting quarterback Noah Kim. We will find out how focused and composed he and the rest of the Spartan offense is after a distracting week. If Kim can lead Michigan State to an early score in the first quarter, the Spartans could shake off any potential doubt inside Spartan Stadium and put themselves in a position to win the game. If MSU struggles early, this Washington team is very difficult to beat when trailing by more than one score.

The Spartans need to ‘stay on schedule’ on offense, meaning they need to be consistently in 2nd-and-medium and 3rd-and short. That starts with establishing the running game, which they have struggled with early in the season. Running back Nathan Carter is off to a great start, but the offensive line moving the line of scrimmage against a tough opponent will be a huge key.

Running back Jalen Berger was sidelined with an injury against Richmond, and his status for Saturday is uncertain. Same goes for USF transfer Jaden Mangham, who we’ve yet to see play in 2023. Due to those circumstances, Carter will likely take a larger load. While Kim has been excellent through two games, Michigan State does not want to get in a shootout with Washington. The Spartans must be able to run the ball effectively.

Defense: Minimize Big Plays and Create Pressure

Washington loves to throw the ball and is good at it too. In two games, the Huskies have 82 pass attempts, one of the highest passing rates in the country. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will be facing the Spartans for the fourth time in his career – twice while at Indiana, and the second time at Washington. While Michigan State is very familiar with Penix, he is still very difficult to stop.

The Huskies have a deep stock of weapons around Penix. They have four wide receivers and a tight end that are all big-play threats at all times, one being former MSU receiver Germie Bernard. Washington already has 944 yards receiving on the year, which means the Spartans pass defense has their work cut out. With a young core of defensive backs, this will be the first big test on the season for them, similar to the offense.

To keep up with Washington’s tempo and passing scheme, Michigan State’s defense needs to have great team speed on the field at all times. You should expect to see more defensive packages where sophomore Malik Spencer is moved from a safety spot to linebacker. MSU defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton used Spencer in a linebacker spot against Central Michigan, maybe to get him more comfortable with the position. Spencer’s spot at safety is replaced with Armorion Smith, and the Spartans may choose to sacrifice size for athleticism at edge rusher. This gives MSU speed in the pass rush and around the perimeter.

With Jacoby Windmon rumored out this week, the rotation players at linebacker and edge rusher need to step up. Aaron Brule came up big last season when Windmon was suspended, and he’s off to a good start this year as well. With more depth at defensive end, Brule is more valuable at linebacker. This gives transfer end Tunmise Adeleye an opportunity to expand his role on the line.

The Spartans have 10 sacks already on the season and need to have more against Washington if they want to win. The pass rush has been successful so far, Central Michigan and Richmond had trouble with pressure throughout each game. Michigan State’s pass rush needs to make Penix uncomfortable, force him to rush his throws and make faster decisions. Penix likes to stay in the pocket, but the Spartans also need to make sure they contain him because he can make plays with his feet as well.

There’s no doubt that Michigan State has a tough challenge on its hands this Saturday, but limiting possessions with ball control offensively, and being disruptive with their pass rush are the ways the Spartans can pull off a Top 10 upset this weekend.

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