WKU Football: Gameday Information at Michigan State
After the bizarre 2020 college football season, WKU found a way to scratch and claw to a bowl game appearance and a 5–7 overall final…
After the bizarre 2020 college football season, WKU found a way to scratch and claw to a bowl game appearance and a 5–7 overall final record. With a team that many thought could compete for a conference championship, the Tops finished in the middle of the pack.
However, with a momentous offseason with tons of huge “gets” and “coups”, the most significant of which were Houston Baptist transfer quarterback Bailey Zappe signing with the Tops and superstar defensive end DeAngelo Malone deciding to forego a realistic shot at the NFL and stay on campus for a fifth year, the Tops seem poised to be a legitimate threat to make a title run.
WKU is 1–2 after a couple of losses against quality opponents by a combined five points. The competition bumps another notch talent wise this week with a second Big Ten foe in a row, this time against #17 Michigan State.
It’s now time for teams to finish up their non-conference slates and transition to preparing for the meat of their conference play. MSU has already played two conference games, while WKU plays all of its eight Conference USA games in a row to finish off the season after this week.
We’re starting to get to know each team a little bit now that everyone has played some quality competition. If you need to know any of the game information, look no further — we have you covered.
Location
Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan
Capacity: 75,005
One of the older stadiums (1923) in the country, this beautiful stadium known as “The Woodshed” may be old in age, but it’s the sixth largest stadium in the Big Ten and has undergone significant renovations to keep up with the times.
Time
Saturday, October 2, 2021 6:30 PM CST
Weather Forecast
It looks like the weather should be decent heading up to game time, but rain does look to threaten the forecast as the game goes on. Prepare for nice temperatures, but bring something to prepare for possible rain.
TV
Big Ten Network
Joe Beninati, Jeremy “J” Leman, Michelle McMahon
Radio
Randy Lee (Play by Play), Tyler Eaton (Sideline) & Terry Obee (Analyst)
Also, you can listen to the radio call anywhere in the world on the WKU Gameday App!
Gameday Information
WKU:
MSU:
B1G Football Preseason Power Rankings
Betting Lines from Sportsline.com
Michigan State -10.5
O/U 64.5
ESPN.com Match-up Predictor
Michigan State-89.2% chance to win
Current Records
WKU: 1–2 (0–0 C-USA)
Michigan State: 4–0 (2–0 B1G)
Last Time Out…
WKU almost got the Big Ten monkey off of its back, but frankly tens of opportunities were left on the table and WKU just didn’t get it done. What was shocking to many was the fact that WKU didn’t play its best and was pretty much in control of its own destiny in many ways. Ultimately, WKU lost 33–31, but perhaps WKU’s defense found itself a little bit, getting a few stops and forcing some punts and forcing IU to kick four field goals. WKU should head to East Lansing confident and feeling like they can hang with the Spartans.
Michigan State has been one of the big surprises in the country so far. Facing a tough schedule so far, MSU has found ways to win three of four games extremely easily. The Spartans somehow defeated Nebraska despite only mustering 254 yards last week. MSU has a great punter, great running backs, and an awesome defensive line that creates all kinds of chaos. Sparty now sits at #17 in the country and seems like a legitimate Big Ten dark horse at this point.
Coaches
Tyson Helton- 3rd Season- 15–13 (15–13 Overall)
Mel Tucker- 2nd Season- 6–5 (11–12 Overall)
Series
First Meeting
Last Meeting
N/A (First Meeting)
Relevant Reading
Conference USA Preseason Media Prediction
Injury Report
WKU
Out for Season: RB Jakairi Moses
Questionable to Doubtful: TE Joshua Simon (foot) is still listed as questionable despite reports that he may not return this season. Does Joshua Simon even know Joshua Simon’s prognosis?
MSU
Out Indefinitely: DE Drew Beesley
Questionable: WR Ricky White, LB Carson Casteel, QB Anthony Russo, RB Elijah Collins, TE Adam Berghorst
Excitement Level — 7
This is obviously an interesting game, and I think the excitement level will be through the roof if WKU wins. But WKU is now 1–2 and is not expected to win this game. I think WKU fans will be politely interested in this game. It’s a Power Five opponent, but it’s not of regional interest, it doesn’t seem like there’s a huge chance WKU wins, and there is no history or connection between the schools. So it’s interesting and WKU could win, but no WKU fan has been drooling about this game since it was announced. It’s just a Power Five opponent that WKU has a prayer to win the game if they have a good showing.
Go Tops! We’ll be providing live coverage and reaction. If you made it to “The Woodshed”, please send us your best pictures from campus, tailgating, and in-game via Twitter at @TheTowelRackWKU or on our Facebook page and we’ll share.