Michigan State looks to remain undefeated as they take on FCS opponent Youngstown State in week three.
Following a thrilling double-overtime win against Boston College in Week two, the Spartans have a chance to win in a more dominant fashion at home against Youngstown State. The Spartans shouldn’t underestimate Youngstown State who is also undefeated.
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Stop the run
Youngstown State’s offense is centralized on its dual-threat quarterback Beau Brungard. Brungard gains the majority of his yards on the ground, leading the team in rushing yards.
In their first two weeks of play, Brungard gained 409 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 10.8 yards per carry.
Youngstown State’s greatest strength plays directly into the Spartans’ greatest strength so far which is run defense. MSU’s stout run defense has allowed only 48 yard per game which ranks number 10 in the nation.
MSU’s defensive front consists of emerging playmakers including linebacker Jordan Hall, linebacker Wayne Matthews III and defensive lineman Jalen Thompson.
Hall is the vocal and statistical leader of the defense, communicating pre-snap defensive adjustments while also leading the team with 25 total tackles.
Inside linebacker Matthews III has 14 total tackles and an interception through two games this season.
Thompson is a versatile defensive end who can create disruptions in the backfield, tallying 6 tackles and a sack.
The Spartans can control the Youngstown State offense by stopping the quarterback runs and forcing them into long passing situations.
Power Football
In order to have a dominant victory, the Spartans need to dominate both sides of the line of scrimmage with a consistent rush attack and stout run defense.
Through the first two games the Spartans have established an identity as a power style team that builds its offense from running the ball.
The MSU offense starts with the offensive line which rotates eight different players. The offensive line created wide running lanes through two games which allowed the Spartans to dictate the pace of the game.
Senior center Matt Gulbin leads the offensive line with a veteran presence and played in every snap versus Boston College.
The Spartans’ trio of powerful running backs, Makhi Frazier, Brandon Tullis and Elijah Tau-Tolliver have been dominant with credit to the O-line’s push up front.
Sophomore running back Makhi Frazier has displayed good vison, burst and physicality through two games as the starter. Frazier has 184 rushing yards and a touchdown on 5.9 yards per carry.
Tullis is a slightly bigger version of Frazier, capable of picking up tough yards. Tullis has 81 rushing yards and a touchdown on 7.4 yards per carry.
Running the ball consistently throughout a game is like body blows in a boxing match. Each run may not be explosive but as the game goes on, it wears the opposing defense down, keeps the opposing offense out of rhythm and allows the Spartans to control the time of possession.
Game Manager Chiles
If the rushing attack does its job, this should be an easy game for Aidan Chiles. Chiles probably won’t have to recreate his stellar performance against Boston College where he had 231 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, 39 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Chiles seemed to grow up on national television, displaying a high level of poise and composure to lead the Spartans offense during pivotal moments of the game. Chiles was named Big Ten offensive player of the week.
Chiles will likely just have to manage the game by controlling the tempo of the offense and converting passes when necessary. This could be a game where freshman backup QB Alessio Milivojevic will get a chance to gain playing experience.
Limit Big Passing Plays
Even though the Spartan defense will be focused on stopping the run, they can’t allow big plays through the air. Through two games MSU has allowed 289 passing yards per game and 2.5 passing touchdowns per game. The MSU secondary will have to clean up the miscommunications that led to explosive plays for Boston College.
The Spartan secondary is fortunate to be facing a run-heavy team but Brungard is a capable passer as well.
Through two games Brungard has 236 passing yards and a touchdown on 70.3% completion. Even though the Penguins are looking to run the ball, they are often successful when passing.
The game takes place on Sept. 13 at 3:30 p.m. at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.