Michigan State-Central Michigan Capsule
No. 11 Michigan State (1-0) at Central Michigan (1-0), 3:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Line: Michigan State by 21.
Series Record: Michigan State leads 5-3.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
It's a chance for the Chippewas to host a major program, and the Spartans get to start their road schedule with a short trip to the north. This is part of Michigan State's "Celebrate the State" football series, featuring 12 games over 10 seasons (2011-2020) against Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan that includes the Spartans making one road trip to each of those schools.
KEY MATCHUP
Michigan State QB Andrew Maxwell vs. the Central Michigan secondary. Maxwell threw three interceptions in his first game after replacing Kirk Cousins as the Spartans' starter. Two of those turnovers were on dropped throws, but Maxwell will be hoping for a less mistake-prone showing from the offense this weekend.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Michigan State: RB Le'Veon Bell. Now the undisputed top rusher in the Spartans' backfield, Bell ran for 210 yards on 44 grueling carries in an opening win over Boise State. He also caught six passes. Although Michigan State might try to reduce his workload a bit, it will be interesting to see what he does for an encore.
Central Michigan: RB Zurlon Tipton. Bell wasn't the only one having a career game in the opening week. Tipton rushed for 180 yards and three touchdowns to help the Chippewas beat Southeast Missouri 38-27.
FACTS & FIGURES
Central Michigan coach Dan Enos played at Michigan State from 1987-90 and was a two-year starter at quarterback. He was a running backs coach at Michigan State under current Spartans coach Mark Dantonio from 2007-09. ... Michigan State beat Central Michigan 45-7 last year. ... The Chippewas had no penalties in their opener.
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