Spartans face Wolverines with depleted offense and long losing streak
Michigan State enters Saturday's Big Ten matchup with its top three running backs out and a quarterback uncertain, testing a Michigan defense that ranks third nationally in total yards allowed.
By Zoe Harrison ·
The Michigan State Spartans arrive in Ann Arbor on Saturday with a roster that looks very different from the one that started the season. The team is coming off a six-game losing streak and carries an injury list that includes its top three running backs. The offensive line must also adjust to the absence of leading tight end Jayden Savoury. These changes force the staff to rely on players who have seen limited action this fall.
The Spartans, who hold a 2-6 record and a 0-5 mark in the Big Ten, will face the Michigan Wolverines at 7:30 p.m. The game will air on Peacock. The Wolverines sit at 5-3 overall and 2-3 in conference play. While Michigan has struggled offensively, its defensive unit has performed at a high level. The team ranks third in the nation in total defense, allowing just 250 yards per game. It also ranks 18th in scoring defense, giving up an average of 16.4 points per contest.
Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan is in his first season leading the Spartan attack. He does not have a senior starter at quarterback or a top-10 pick at wide receiver. Sheridan grew up in East Lansing and played quarterback at Michigan, giving him a personal connection to the rivalry. He said the family ties make the game feel incredibly humbling to be a part of. He noted that the Wolverines have been outstanding this year and that the team understands the challenge ahead.
The quarterback situation remains fluid. Alessio Milivojevic was unavailable for the recent game at UCLA due to an undisclosed injury. That opened the door for Kayd Coffman, a true freshman, to start. Coffman became the third true freshman to start in program history and the first in 26 years. He completed his first four passes but missed his final six attempts. He finished with 42 yards, one touchdown, and one interception before being replaced in the third quarter by redshirt freshman Leo Hannan. Sheridan said he believes Coffman prepared well and that the team is building a plan around what the available players can execute.
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald acknowledged the strength of the opposing defense. He described the Michigan unit as having a shutdown secondary and a well-coordinated pressure package. He noted that the Wolverines feature multiple players who could be first-round draft picks. Fitzgerald said the defense plays with relentless effort and makes opponents earn every inch. He added that the Spartans must fight for every yard against that group and that the running game will be essential to gaining ground.
The Spartans rank 134th out of 138 teams in total offense, averaging 291.4 yards per game. They also rank 124th in scoring, averaging 19.9 points. The talent gap was present before the injuries began, but the current roster limits the options available to the coaching staff. The team will use the week to determine who is healthy and who has the opportunity to compete on Saturday night.
The last time the teams met in a high-scoring affair was in 1999. That game ended with a 34-31 Spartans victory over the Wolverines in East Lansing. Quarterback Bill Burke threw for 400 yards, and Plaxico Burress caught passes for 255 yards. Both figures set single-game program records at the time. The current matchup features a different level of production, but the stakes in the Big Ten remain the same.
The Big Ten availability report released on Wednesday confirmed the absence of the top three running backs. It also listed Milivojevic and Savoury as questionable or out. The Spartans will meet the Wolverines under the lights in Ann Arbor. The outcome will determine if Michigan State can stop its slide or if the Wolverines can maintain their defensive dominance against a struggling offensive unit.
