Week 1: Montana State at Michigan State Preview

East Lansing Michigan- Michigan State Spartans host Montana State Bobcats from the Big Sky Conference Saturday September 5, 2009 in front of seventy five thousand fans in Spartan stadium. This is the first game that the Spartans have faced a NCAA Sub-division team. Montana State went 7-5 in 2008, and will have their hands full with the high power Spartan offense that has a lot of depth on both sides of the ball.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins voted by the players as one of the captains was named the starter by Head Coach Mark Dantonio. Keith Nichol will also take some snaps in the first half. Running backs Caulton Ray, Larry Caper, and Edwin Baker will take majority of the carries. “Ray had the most consistency and will most likely start the game; he doesn’t fumble and can catch.” Coach Dantonio stated.

The Spartans don’t want to fall into the trap, and underestimate a smaller school’s talent. It’s imperative that they go into this game as if they are going against Michigan or Ohio State. The Montana State Bobcats are lead by third year head coach Rob Ash. Coach Ash is confident that his defensive lineman can compete one on one with any offensive lineman. Montana State’s defensive line is lead by senior defensive end Dane Fletcher who is on the Buchanan Watch List for defensive player of the year honors.

Montana State’s lack of experience in the secondary should open up the air attack for Michigan State. Running back Caulton Ray will have a big game rushing for no less then one hundred fifty yards on the ground, and will rack up yardage receiving. Although they are sharing the load with Ray, freshman running backs Larry Caper and Edwin Baker should play well against Montana State’s defense.

Line backer Greg Jones will have a great game defending the middle, and will have multiple sacks because of the talent that Michigan State has in the secondary. The Bobcats will have to rely on their running game in order for them to move the ball. Montana State will have to use their tight ends more if they want to move the ball in the air. Michigan State Defensive end Trevor Anderson will contain the outside forcing Montana State’s running backs to play an inside game.

Michigan State will win this game easy but they can’t approach the game with that attitude. “It’s the first game of the year and it’s always the most important.” Greg Jones stated.

Montana State Bobcats (0-0) at Michigan State Spartans (0-0)

When: Saturday September 5 th 2009 12:00 p.m. EST.

Where: East Lansing Michigan, Spartan Stadium

TV: The Big Ten Network

Radio: Spartan Radio Network

Series: 1st meeting

Last year Season Opener: Michigan State lost to Cal 38-31; Montana State defeated Adams State 59-3

Prediction: Montana State 6 Michigan State 52

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