PLAYERS TO WATCH
–WR Felton Davis continues to be Michigan State’s most reliable offensive weapon. Through five games, the senior has 23 receptions for 374 yards and two touchdowns. In the loss to Northwestern, Davis added a 48-yard touchdown run — the first of his career — to go with a 3-yard touchdown grab. With sophomore Cody White out for an indefinite period of time and junior Darrell Stewart Jr. and freshman Jalen Nailor nursing injuries, Davis will continue to be quarterback Brian Lewerke’s top target.
–QB Brian Lewerke was expected to take a big jump this season, but the junior has had a hard time finding any rhythm. He’s completing 64.2 percent of his passes but has thrown six interceptions with two coming in the end zone. He could draw off past performance to get things going this week after he threw for 400 yards and two touchdowns as Michigan State rallied to beat Penn State at home last season. The only difference this season is he’ll have to do so in State College.
–LB Joe Bachie has been the heart of Michigan State’s defense dating back to last season when he was named the team’s MVP. This season, the junior was a tackling machine through the first three games. However, he’s been limited to just nine stops over the last two games, including only three in a win over Central Michigan. Part of the drop-off is the fact teams simply aren’t attempting to run the ball against the nation’s top rushing defense, but if the Spartans are going to rally this season, Bachie will need to play a significant role.
–CB Justin Layne has had plenty of pressure on him this season as fellow cornerback Josiah Scott has been kept out with a knee injury. The junior has responded, for the most part, drawing the top receiver from the opponent each week, which has led to him giving up a couple of big plays. However, with at least one pass defended in seven of the last 11 games, the 6-foot-3 former wide receiver continues to be Michigan State’s best matchup in the secondary and will be test this week against Trace McSorley.
SERIES HISTORY: Penn State leads Michigan State 10-6-1. The Spartans won the last meeting, 27-24, in East Lansing last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “As far as where we’re at, my perspective is I feel like we should be 5-0. My message to our players is: Play like it. Play like we’re 5-0. Keep the same mindset as we go forward.” — Coach Mark Dantonio