Michigan State vs Minnesota Preview

What is Michigan State’s identity… Everyone is about to find out against the Minnesota Gophers. Michigan State bounced back every game after a loss in 2021. This is a MASSIVE game for both games to start conference play. Both teams’ goals sit right in front of them, but who will come out on top.

For MSU the biggest thing is stopping the run game. Minnesota’s identity is running the football with Mohamed Ibrahim. He has been phenomenal so far this season for the Golden Gophers. Ibrahim is currently second in the conference in rushing yards and had over 200 yards in his last game against Colorado.

Mel Tucker couldn’t stress enough that MSU needs to be physical in the trenches. This is a big time opportunity for the Spartans to show that they can be physical on both offense and defense. Minnesota had one of the best run defenses in the country last season and look to continue that success against the Spartans. MSU really struggled to figure out their run game against Washington and that cost them big time. The offensive line needs to step up for MSU and give the Killer B’s the opportunity to find a hole.

Jalen Berger did struggle last game even with the offensive line not helping. Berger went the wrong way on a handoff one play and was unable to find a rhythm. If MSU is going to win this game it’s because they got help from Berger.

Payton Thorne will have to play the same way he did against Washington with the help of the run game. Keon Coleman will have a big day as well with Jayden Reed most likely out for this game as well.

Jacoby Windmon will need to be better as well with the MSU Defense dialing up more than a single blitz the entire game. In order to win this game the Spartans need to help out their secondary by getting pressure on Tanner Morgan.

MSU vs Minnesota is on ABC at 3:30 pm ET at Spartan Stadium. Michigan State has yet to lose at home with fans under Mel Tucker…