Preview of CMU Game

Just a few years ago, CMU vs MSU was a more entertaining rivalry.  But the progress MSU has made under Mark Dantonio and the step backwards that CMU has taken under Dan Enos have turned this game into a major mismatch. Saturday's meeting should also be a mismatch, though perhaps not as bad as last year's, when the Spartans won 45 - 7.

CMU went 3 - 9 last year, and they will probably be considerably better this year. In last week's game against South Carolina State, they put up some impressive offensive numbers (495 yards of total offense). They have a senior quarterback, Ryan Radcliff, who completed 14 of 23 passes for 171 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. They also blew up for 340 yards of rushing (180 by junior Zurlon Tipton, and 111 by sophomore Anthony Garland). On the other hand, they barely beat South Carolina State at home (38 - 27), mainly because their defense gave up 308 yards and they turned the ball over 3 times.

There is always the possibility they were looking ahead to this week, but I don't think that matters much. MSU is so far ahead in terms of talent and coaching that the only way the Spartans lose is if they come in unfocused and overconfident. I just don't see that happening this year. This team is hungry and likely won't take this game for granted.

This is a game in which MSU will have the opportunity to work on any problems it has, particularly the passing game. And I actually expect the receivers and Maxwell to have a huge day. LeVeon Bell won't have to carry the ball even half the amount of times he carried it in the Boise game.

Some numbers: Maxwell throws for 300 yards.  At least 2 receivers get 5 catches.  Bell runs for 150 yards. The defense holds CMU to less than 200 yards of offense and to 10 points or less.

Some things to keep an eye on: It looks like two defensive positions have still not been settled. Micajah Reynolds and Tyler Hoover are still co-starters at defensive tackle, while Jairus Jones and Kurtis Drummond are still co-starters at free safety. Apparently, DeAnthony Arnett and Aaron Burbridge might see some time at receiver. I'd like to see these guys come in and excel, but I'm also pulling for the current startes. I hope Tony Lippett, in particular, has a huge game.

Final score: MSU 35  CMU 10