W. Michigan-Michigan St. at a glance

The Associated Press Comments 0
Published: November 4, 2009

Line: Michigan State by 18

Series Record: Michigan State leads 8-2.

Last Meeting: 2003, Michigan State, 26-21.

Bowl eligibility. Both teams are coming off losses and need to win two more games to have a chance to play in the postseason. Plus, Michigan State wants to avoid dropping home games to two in-state MAC foes in the same season. The Spartans lost 29-27 to Central Michigan on Sept. 12. Western gets its third shot at a Big Ten opponent after losing at Michigan and Indiana.

Western Michigan QB Tim Hiller and RB Brandon West vs. Michigan State's defense. The normally stout Spartans were shredded for 505 yards and six TDs by Minnesota and will be tested by the Broncos, who average 393.4 yards and 25.6 points per game. Hiller is a prolific senior passer and West already has 1,000 yards from scrimmage this season.

Western Michigan: DE Justin Braska. The senior is coming off a performance at Kent State that earned him the first MAC West Division player of the week award of his career. Braska recorded 2½ tackles for loss — including a sack — to go along with six tackles (five solo). He also batted down a pass attempt at the line of scrimmage. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Braska will be going against a Michigan State offensive line that averages around 300 pounds per player.

Michigan State: QB Kirk Cousins. The sophomore's been steady this season and has had his moments, but still hasn't put together a true breakthrough performance. It could come against Western, which gives up 27 points a game.