While the Michigan State defense has struggled over the course of their first two Big Ten Conference games this season, the Spartans’ offense has been solid despite the 0-2 start to conference play. The UCLA Bruins will head to East Lansing to try and pick up their second win in a row after the Bruins’ shocking win over Penn State last week.
Michigan State’s offense put up 31 points against the USC Trojans and then 27 points against Nebraska, with both games coming on the road. The Spartans’ offense may have another productive day on Saturday, facing a UCLA defense that has allowed 32.4 points per game this season, the worst mark in the Big Ten.
The Michigan State defense has given up the second-most points per game, which likely helps their offense become more productive, being forced to be aggressive knowing that their defense is unlikely to be able to contain opponents’ offenses. Despite having averaged 29 points per game in the Big Ten, Michigan State’s offense has only put up the third-most yards per game.
Junior dual-threat quarterback Aidan Chiles leads the Spartans’ offense, with Chiles having thrown for nine touchdowns while rushing for another four. Last year, Chiles led the Big Ten with 11 interceptions in 12 games, through five games this year he’s thrown just three, with the former Oregon State transfer showing some moderate improvement in that area.
Sophomore running back Makhi Frazier has been the lead back for the Spartans, having put up 325 yards on the ground on a 4.3 yards per carry basis. Michigan State has relied heavily upon their wideout duo of senior Omari Kelly and sophomore Nick Marsh. Kelly leads the Spartans with 326 receiving yards while Marsh paces the team with three receiving touchdowns.
UCLA’s defense still struggled last week despite picking up the win, they’ll be in for another challenge on Saturday against the Spartans.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Can Bruins’ defense slow down the Michigan State offense on the road this week?
Reporting by Dylan McNeill, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
