Watch Michigan State vs. Eastern Michigan streaming online live by following the link at the bottom of this preview article.
The Spartans look to bounce back from a tough loss PAC-12 powerhouse Oregon two weeks ago. Michigan State has had a bye week, so they come into today’s game against EMU well rested and having had plenty of time to think about the tough loss. Much like last season’s tough loss against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, you can expect this Spartans team to distance itself from the disappointing early loss and play its best football down the stretch as they make their case for a spot in the NCAA’s inaugural football playoffs.
Look for today’s game to be about putting up gaudy numbers. The 11th ranked Spartans, current Big Ten and Rose Bowl champs, will be facing an Eastern Michigan team that is 1-2 and hasn’t impressed much of anybody, even among second tier schools. What’s more, the Spartans will come into today’s game with a chip on their shoulders after losing a third quarter lead in arguably the most important game of their season the last time they hit the gridiron.
According to Yahoo! Sports , MSU’s Coach Dantonio , in his typical fashion, is playing down the idea of running up the score on the EMU Eagles.
“We are going to play to win, and after that is accomplished, we’re going to try to get our younger players playing and develop experience and depth on this football team. I’m not interested in taking a timeout before the end of the game to get another seven points. I’m interested in playing the game the way it’s supposed to be played and letting it go… I think all the goals are still there, I’ve said before, number one goal is to get into the Big Ten championship game. If we do that, good things are going to happen. That’s what we can control. Some of the things we can’t control, but that’s what we can control.”
The Spartans will need to run the table if they’re going to be seriously discussed for the NCAA playoffs. Even then, they’ll likely need some help from other Big Ten teams. If the Big Ten continues to fare as poorly as it has so far in interdivisional play, it will make their eventual champion (whether it’s the Spartans or someone else) look somewhat less impressive.
Look for the Spartans to start parading their younger players out sometime during the second quarter. It’s unlikely the outcome of the football game will be in question after that — assuming it’s in question before the kickoff.
Watch Michigan State vs. Eastern Michigan streaming online live here beginning noon Eastern Time.
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