Northern Colorado at No. 25 Michigan State (3-0), noon (Big Ten Network)
Line: No line.
Series Record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Michigan State won’t admit it publicly, but this matchup with second-tier Northern Colorado comes at the perfect time. The Spartans beat Notre Dame in an overtime thriller last weekend, and coach Mark Dantonio had a mild heart attack immediately afterward. Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell is filling in for Dantonio, and Michigan State has every reason to be distracted. The Spartans will simply try to avoid the upset.
KEY MATCHUP
Michigan State RBs Le’Veon Bell and Edwin Baker vs. the Northern Colorado defensive front. Bell and Baker have already combined for 694 yards on the ground, and each is averaging over 8 yards per carry.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Northern Colorado: QB Dylan Orms has thrown for six touchdowns and only one interception and will need to take care of the ball for the Bears to stay close.
Michigan State: LB Greg Jones, a returning All-American, leads the Big Ten in tackles. He and the Spartans hope to shut down Northern Colorado in what could be a mere tuneup for games against Wisconsin and Michigan in early October.
FACTS & FIGURES
The Spartans moved into the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2008 after beating Notre Dame. … Michigan State has rushed for over 200 yards in all three games this season. … Northern Colorado is trying for its first 3-1 start since 2003. The Bears won three games all last season. … Michigan State WR B.J. Cunningham is one reception short of 100. … Northern Colorado WR Jace Davis has caught at least one touchdown pass in each of the first three games.
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