Michigan State aims to build momentum against Richmond before hosting No. 8 Washington
Michigan State wide receiver Christian Fitzpatrick (16) stiff arms Central Michigan defensive back Donte Kent (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, in East Lansing, Mich. Credit: AP/Carlos Osorio
Richmond (0-1) at Michigan State (1-0), Saturday 3:30 p.m. Eastern (Big Ten Network)
Line: None listed by FanDuel Sportsbook
Series record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Michigan State is aiming to build momentum against an overmatched team in the second-tier of college football before being tested next week at home against No. 8 Washington. Richmond isn't expected a win, but being competitive may help the FCS team gain confidence after losing at home last week to Morgan State.
KEY MATCHUP
Richmond QB Kyle Wickersham against Michigan State's defense. The first-year starter was 23 of 30 for 169 yards with an interception and ran 21 times for 39 yards and a score last week. To avoid a blowout, Wickersham will have to make more plays through the air and on the ground.
Michigan State receiver Tyrell Henry, right, catches a pass for a touchdown against Central Michigan defensive back De'Javion Stepney during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, in East Lansing, Mich. Credit: AP/Al Goldis
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Richmond: LB Tristan Wheeler. He has 383 career tackles, leading all levels of college football. He had 17 tackles last week, a year after making a career-high 19 tackles against Virginia.
Michigan State: QB Noah Kim. In his first start last week, he wasn't rattled when teammates dropped passes and finished 18 of 31 for 279 yards passing and two touchdowns in a 31-7 win over Central Michigan.
FACTS & FIGURES
Michigan State running back Jalen Berger (8) and tight end Maliq Carr (6) celebrate Berger's rushing touchdown against Central Michigan during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, in East Lansing, Mich. Credit: AP/Al Goldis
The Spiders are unranked after they were No. 16 in the FCS coaches' preseason poll, coming off a nine-win year. ... Connecticut transfer Nathan Carter had 113 yards rushing and a TD in his Spartans debut. ... Richmond coach Russ Huesman is 33-30 in seven seasons at the school and 92-67 over his career, which includes eight years at Chattanooga. ... Michigan State coach Mel Tucker reiterated that the medical staff decides if a player is available to play when questioned about why Alante Brown returned a kick late in the first half after being carted off the field and was held out of the game for the second half.
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