Michigan State @ Northwestern football preview

Spartans look for 2-0 start in Big Ten as they host the Hawkeyes

It’s always nice when a ranking accompanies a football program. It means its play has warranted attention.

But it guarantees nothing beyond recognition. Michigan State’s players understand that as the 19 th ranked Spartans travel to Ryan Field to play Northwestern. Courtesy of a five-game winning streak, the Spartans are ranked for the first time since 2005.

“It is just motivation to never be complacent and always being humble,’’ senior safety Otis Wiley said. “Our coaches have addressed it, and the first question is how the team can handle success.’’

Handling it is challenging proposition. The Spartans have to find a way to get past a vastly improved Northwestern team while Ohio State waits next week.

Over the years, dealing with the Wildcats has not been easy. Northwestern has won four of the last six meetings. But these games have been wild.

Last year, the Wildcats pulled out a 48-41 overtime thriller. Two years ago at Ryan Field, the Spartans made NCAA history. They pulled off the greatest comeback in the history of Division I college football when they rallied from a 35-point deficit (38-3) to win, 41-38.

Few thought the Wildcats would get off to their first 5-0 start since 1962. But coach Pat Fitzgerald has continued to foster the family mentality that started under Gary Barnett and continued under the late Randy Walker.

However, it’s hard to know what Saturday will offer. What is certain is that Michigan State’s defense has probably seen enough of Northwestern quarterback C.J. Bacher. Bacher’s prolific passing has continued as he has thrown for 1,042 yards. In last year’s Wildcat upset, he threw for a career-high 520 yards.

“We know we are targeted,’’ Wiley said. “And their offense is going to try and run around us and never quit. But we are geared up for it.’’

Pressure on Bacher and sound technique against the Northwestern running game would be a step in the right direction. The Spartans have definitely forced the issue as they have collected six turnovers between Indiana and Iowa. They are plus-5 in turnover ratio in the Big Ten.

Of course, the Spartans can counter with their own ball control attack with senior Javon Ringer. He is 12 yards shy of 1,000 and will become the first back to post consecutive 1,000-yard seasons since T.J. Duckett did it in 2000 and 2001.

Although he was held to 91 yards last week against Iowa, the Spartans will have to establish him early.

The good news is that quarterback Brian Hoyer has come to life in Big Ten play. He is third in passing efficiency (144.6) and fourth in passing yardage (222.5). The question is going to be how well the Wildcats can cover Mark Dell who is averaging 22 yards per reception.

History says Michigan State and Northwestern will play into the fourth quarter. It probably will happen again.

Prediction: Michigan State 27, Northwestern 25

Notable

• Opponents are only 10-for18 (56 percent) against the Michigan State defense in the Red Zone. It is the stingiest mark in the Big Ten.
• Under coach Mark Dantonio, the Spartans are 10-1 when they lead at halftime.
• Since 1990, Michigan State is 94-27-1 (.775) when it scores at least 24 points in a game.

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