From Michigan State Spartans On SI · · 1m 40s
MSU vs. Northwestern: Fitzgerald's First Shot at Alma Mater
Pat Fitzgerald faces his alma mater in a Big Ten clash after Northwestern's rise.
In brief
Pat Fitzgerald faces his alma mater in a Big Ten clash after Northwestern's rise. Michigan State's defense struggles against Northwestern's offensive threats in a likely 34-17 loss. Originally reported by Michigan State Spartans On SI.
Game Preview
Michigan State (2-4 overall, 0-3 Big Ten) faces No. 25 Northwestern (4-1 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) in East Lansing.
Fitzgerald's Return
Pat Fitzgerald, who coached Northwestern for 17 seasons, returns to play his alma mater.
Chiles' Return
Aidan Chiles returns to East Lansing after being benched for Alessio Milivojevic.
MSU's Offense
MSU scored 26 points against Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Wisconsin combined last week.
MSU's Defense
MSU's defense ranks 14th in the Big Ten at 25.7 points allowed per game.
Northwestern's Defense
Northwestern ranks sixth in the Big Ten scoring defense at 16.2 points allowed per game.
Northwestern's Offense
Northwestern's offense ranks seventh in the Big Ten with 35.4 points per game.
Chiles' Stats
Chiles has thrown for 1,172 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
Northwestern's Formation
Northwestern uses wing-T formation, a 1970s-style offense that Penn State couldn't stop.
MSU's Early Drives
MSU's opening drives have ended with a touchdown, three punts, and a turnover on downs.
MSU's First Quarter
MSU has been outscored 41-3 in the first quarter against P4 teams.
Northwestern's Strategy
Northwestern lines up receivers 12 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
Chiles' Rushing
Chiles has rushed for six touchdowns this season.
Spartans' Short-Handed Defense
MSU's defense is missing its top four corners.
Final Prediction
Northwestern is expected to win 34-17 against Michigan State.
What it means
Michigan State's defense struggles against Northwestern's offensive threats in a likely 34-17 loss.
