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Michigan State Football: Spartans welcome in-state rival Central Michigan

By Dana Becker

EAST LANSING, MI - AUGUST 31: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his first half touchdown with LJ Scott #3 while playing the Utah State Aggies at Spartan Stadium on August 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - AUGUST 31: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his first half touchdown with LJ Scott #3 while playing the Utah State Aggies at Spartan Stadium on August 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State football steps out of the grind from Big Ten action to entertain in-state rival Central Michigan this Saturday.

Last week, the Spartans rebounded from a road loss to Arizona State by thumping Indiana, 35-21. They are 4-1 over the last five, including a bowl victory vs. Washington State.

But things just don’t appear to be completely set with Michigan State. They survived vs. Utah State to open the year, were bullied along the offensive and defensive lines by Herm Edwards and the Sun Devils, and never completely looked comfortable at Indiana.

Brian Lewerke has thrown for 814 yards on 64 of 97 passing with five touchdowns, but also four interceptions. L.J. Scott has battled a hamstring injury, rushing for just 103 yards, while Connor Heyward has 87 yards and a team-high two scores.

Sparty does feature one of the more talented wide receiver duos in the Big Ten in Cody White and Felton Davis III. White has 18 receptions for 260 yards, with Davis adding 13 for 212.

There have been no easy weeks for Central Michigan this year, as they opened the season at Kentucky and have also played Kansas and Northern Illinois. The Chippewas got in the win column with a 17-5 victory over Maine last weekend.

Jonathan Ward leads the offense with 156 yards rushing, while Tony Poljan has 344 yards passing and Tommy Lazzaro another 210. They have thrown just three touchdowns with six interceptions.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s game between Central Michigan and Michigan State.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 29
Time: Noon ET
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Venue: Spartan Stadium
TV: FOX Sports 1
Live Stream: FOX Sports GO | Fubo TV

Keys to Victory

The run game will be critical for both teams in this one. Can a Michigan State unit averaging just 120 yards per game finally get on track this year? The Spartans should be able to find plenty of holes against a CMU defense surrendering 194 yards on the ground.

In contrast, the Spartans are one of the best in the country in terms of stopping the run, as opponents are gaining just 32.7 yards per game on the ground. Central Michigan enters averaging 120, a number that is sure to be tested vs. Michigan State.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of OddsShark

Point Spread: Michigan State -28.5
Over/Under: 46.5

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Prediction

Look for the Spartans to focus on getting some confidence for their offensive line and running backs by featuring them early and often. Michigan State should have no difficulties imposing its will on the defensive side against an underwhelmed Central Michigan team.

Final Score: Michigan State 45, Central Michigan 3

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