Michigan State Football: 5 players to watch for against BYU

Sep 26, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State football mascot Sparty celebrates a win with the team after a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

BYU represents a dangerous matchup for Michigan State football on Saturday and there are a number of players to keep an eye on.

BYU comes to East Lansing Saturday with a deceiving 2-3 record. The Cougars’ three losses have been decided by a total of seven points. Michigan State football is still reeling from a second straight loss and are desperate for a win.

If Michigan State were to lose this then it would have a catastrophic effect on the team and I’d expect drastic changes as a result. However, head coach Mark Dantonio is hoping to salvage the season and cling to an ever-slim possibility of competing for another Big Ten Championship.

Expectations in for the Spartans are at a three-year low. While Tyler O’Connor has struggled, the whole team appears to be in disarray. Fans want a change at quarterback, but that would only be a cosmetic modification. Yet the reason why fans desire a change at quarterback is because a great quarterback can cover a multitude of problems that a team has and, in fact, inspire other player to raise their game.

Kodi Kieler defended his quarterback this week and that is a reassuring sign, considering O’Connor’s play. Hopefully the outspoken Kieler can inspire his team to compete.

These are the five players to watch on Saturday.

Auston Robertson

DE, Freshman

Auston Robertson has had a rocky road to East Lansing, but now that he is here, he will be given an opportunity to play Saturday. MSU has been devastated on the defensive line with key transfers, graduation, injuries and now a first half suspension of Malik McDowell.

Dantonio said this week that Robertson would get some time at defensive tackle in the game and that’s good news because the Spartans have not been getting enough push from their defensive line. Therefore, this is an excellent game for the true freshman to play in preparation for the rest of the schedule.

Robertson was a defensive end recruit out of Fort Wayne, Ind., and he was highly-touted. There’ll be some growing pains Saturday, because this is a young player being asked to step up.

However, I’m optimistic about his move to defensive tackle because MSU can only improve at this point. There is nothing like a trial by fire and Robertson is getting baptized into it. Robertson was a highly sought after recruit and therefore, I do expect good production from him. He’s the type of athlete that MSU needs to build up this defensive line again.

Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Durham Smythe (80) has catch broken up by Michigan State Spartans cornerback Tyson Smith (15) during the second half a game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Tyson Smith

CB, Sophomore

Tyson Smith is getting more time because Darian Hicks is injured. Michigan State is going through some growing pains on defense and Smith represents that youth movement. I have watched him play extremely well and then I’ve also watched him make mistakes.

During the Indiana game in the fourth quarter Richard Lagow dropped a perfect pass, but Smith had great coverage on the play. It took a beautiful throw by Lagow in order to move the chains.

Smith will make mistakes on Saturday, especially with this high-powered Cougar offense, however, I’m going to watch how he brings it play in and play out.

Hicks was a Jekyll and Hyde type of player, who made you pull out your hair one minute and come right back the next and have you cheering. Hicks almost pulled off a great interception the play he was hurt on. But it was the play before that had fans yelling at the TV.

Dantonio has said that Smith plays well and goes hard on the field, therefore, Spartan fans can expect much of the same on Saturday.

Oct 1, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Tyler O

Tyler O'Connor

QB, Senior

Tyler O’Connor has been a polarizing player for the Spartans this season. Dantonio and a few players have come to his defense amid the fan and media criticism. I love the fact the players are rallying around him, however, the criticism is warranted.

It’s interesting to listen each week to the commentators on the TV broadcast identify that O’Connor just does not seem to be up to par for a Michigan State starter. However, football is a team sport and it takes a team to compete.

I’m interested to watch to see if the movement on the depth chart at offensive line will improve O’Connor’s performance. He’s had problems staring down receivers and being off or late on his throws. Some of this can be adjusted as he develops a rhythm and this is why Dantonio continues to stick with him. The hope this Saturday is that if the offensive line can improve then it might positively affect quarterback play.

BYU has watched film and understands that to win this game they must put pressure on O’Connor. Tyler will have to step up and not be intimidated by the pass rush if MSU is going to win.

Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Donnie Corley (9) celebrates after MSU defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 36-28 at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Donnie Corley

WR, Freshman

Donnie Corley has emerged as a go-to receiver for O’Connor and the Spartans. Although R.J. Shelton had an outstanding game against Indiana, Corley would have had an equally impressive game if he had not dropped a deep ball from O’Connor. The ball slipped off Corley’s finger tips, it would have been a game-changing play and one that most likely would have given Michigan State a potential win.

Corey has thrilled Spartan fans with his play-making ability. He’s not just the future for MSU, but he’s the present. O’Connor has done an excellent job of getting him the ball through four games and that production is likely to increase throughout the season.

There’s not a player of his caliber at the cornerback spot for BYU, therefore, I believe Corley will have a great game. It seems that he has been so close to breaking out each week, however, considering BYU had a rough game last week that this could be his week. The Cougars allow over 300 yards passing per week, which is near the bottom of the nation.

If MSU cuts back on the penalties then this offense will have a shot to shine Saturday and Corley will be a major reason for it.

Oct 3, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Brian Allen (65) points out coverage before the snap of the ball during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

OL, Michigan State

If one member of the offensive line does not do his job, then it throws off what the entire offense is attempting to do. The poor line play has been a major contributor to MSU’s slow start to the 2016 season.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 takeaways from loss to Indiana

Senior Kodi Kieler has moved to the left tackle position from center. He has vocally supported his quarterback this week while calling out the media and hungry fans who are ready for a QB change. I love the vocal support, however, Kieler is going to have to step up this week as a leader of the line in order to give his quarterback a chance.

If the line, including tight end Josiah Price, is able to cut down on the penalties, then Michigan State should be able to put together some nice drives Saturday. BYU is a unique team because they can put up points if they have to or play a knock-out-drag-out game like they did against Utah and UCLA. This is a game that will come down to line play and whichever team can put it all together.

This is a crossroads game for Michigan State. Dantonio will not admit it but the team may be forced to go in a different direction if they lose. A once-promising season has turned into a nightmare and now Saturday is a put up or shut up game.

Hopefully the line will be ready for the challenge to protect O’Connor and provide running lanes for the backs. This is a dangerous game, but MSU is more than capable of winning it. It’s time for the Spartans to own their season.