Michigan State football welcomes Illinois to Spartan Stadium this upcoming Saturday on Nov. 9. The Spartans are in desperate need of a win after facing three of the best football teams in the Big Ten Conference. Illinois, on the other hand, is currently coasting with a 5-4 record.
Here are three things to watch for in this game:
Joe Bachie’s Absence
For those who live under a rock, MSU LB Joe Bachie has been suspended by the Big Ten after failing a drug test. Bachie is without a doubt the best Spartan defender. How important is Bachie? He leads MSU in solo tackles and assisted tackles with 37 and 35 respectively. His absence creates a huge gap in the Spartan’s defense.
Bachie also tied DT Raequan Williams with 3.5 sacks, the most on Michigan State’s roster. He is an absolute monster. Bachie picked up the slack of Kenny Willekes’ disappointing season as well. Who will step up? Will Willekes return to prominence? LB Antjuan Simmons can step up his game no doubt. Someone has to pick up the slack.
Darrell Stewart’s Injury
When it rains, it pours. WR Darrell Stewart is absent from the MSU vs. Illinois depth chart. This is not good. Stewart is the number one target for QB Brian Lewerke. Now, the Spartans are without their best WR. Again, who will fill this hole? Will Cody White become the number one target?
Per the MSU depth chart, C.J. Hayes is back in the lineup. He could potentially step up for the Spartans. It is quite possible Julian Barnett receives more targets as well. I’d like to see the offense be as creative as possible. At this point, what do you have to lose?
Mark Dantonio’s Reaction
Michigan State football fans are so unruly right now. Most rational fans want to keep coach Mark Dantonio, but, not all fans are rational. There is plenty of fire coach Dantonio buzz out in the ethos. I do not agree with it at all, however, I also understand the frustration of fans.
Mark Dantonio made a crucial mistake this past offseason. He did not fire an underperforming offensive coaching staff. As a result, he is the scapegoat for this poor season. Worst of all, Dantonio has seemingly doubled down at every single turn. He must move past this staff in the offseason and own up this mistake. If MSU loses to Illinois and he reacts poorly, things will get ugly.
The game is slated for Saturday at 3:30 P.M. Watch it on FS1 and root on the MSU football team. As always, stay locked on SpartansWire for more football coverage to come.
