No. 21 Michigan State visits Rutgers in Big Ten finale

Posted November 22, 2017 6:00 am

The Associated Press

No. 21 Michigan State (8-3, 6-2 Big Ten, CFP No. 16) at Rutgers (4-7, 3-5), Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (FOX)

Line: Michigan State by 13 ˆ½.

Series record: Michigan State leads 5-3.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Michigan State finishes a turnaround season in the Big Ten. The Spartans won three games in 2016 and missed a postseason game for the first time since 2006. Rutgers wants a fourth conference win, which would its most since joining league in 2014. It was winless in the league last year.

KEY MATCHUP

Rutgers' offensive line against Michigan State's run defense. The Scarlet Knights only win when they run the ball. They had 274, 130 and 239 in victories over Illinois, Purdue and Maryland. They are last in the conference, averaging 117.2 yards passing, with only 1,289 yards gained and six touchdowns. Michigan State ranks second in the conference and seventh in the FBS in rushing defense, allowing an average of 109.2 yards.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

MICHIGAN STATE: RB LJ Scott ran for 147 yards on a career-high 29 carries in the win over Maryland. He ranks 12th in school history with 2,424 yards rushing and is tied for 13th with 24 touchdowns rushing.

RUTGERS: Whoever plays quarterback. Coach Chris Ash is undecided after last week's 41-0 loss to Indiana. Gio Rescigno is 3-3 since taking over as the starter but the team has lost two in a row. If a change is made, either graduate transfer Kyle Bolin could return to the starting lineup or freshman Johnathan Lewis could make his first start.

FACTS & FIGURES

Michigan State is looking for its 16th nine-win season in its 121-year history. It would be the sixth under coach Mark Dantonio. ... Playing in inclement weather at home last week against Maryland, the Spartans had 20 yards passing, their fewest in a game since Oct. 3, 1987, when they had 13 yards in a 19-14 win at Iowa. ... Rutgers LB Trevor Morris needs one tackle for his second straight season with 100. ... Only six of the previous 30 Big Ten teams since 1960 coming off a winless league season have won at least three in conference play the next year. Minnesota (1989) and Iowa (1968) had four, the best in the span.

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