The Michigan State Spartans play host to the Western Michigan Broncos on Friday night in the season opener for both teams, from Spartan Stadium. Western Michigan was able to finish off 2022 winning three of four, including their bowl game, while the Spartans had one of their best seasons in recent memory, dropping only two games. It doesn't come as a surprise that Michigan State has dominated the series between the two teams, including winning each meeting over the last decade, most recently a 51-17 win in 2019. Michigan State will be heavy favorites in this one, though the Broncos will want to show some pride in this edition of the in-state rivalry.
The Broncos still remain only a handful of years from a New Year's Day bowl and are coming off of an 8-5 season, where they also went .500 in MAC play. This team has the ability to get things done on both sides of the ball, as shown by their success last season, while adding in a win against the same Pitt team that Michigan State took down in their bowl game, should give some confidence in this one. Adding in a win in the bowl game and this team at least went into the offseason with momentum brewing towards this 2022 opener. One concern is having to go on the road while adding in their lack of success against Michigan State over the years. With another matchup against Pitt looming in only two weeks, the Broncos would love nothing more than to split their two games against Power 5 opponents.
No injuries to report heading into the opener is good news as well for this group, where depth will be an issue in this one. Having a full complement of players might not be enough but it'll certainly give them a chance on Friday night.
Timing was everything for @CoachTimLester's newest additions to his staff.
Feature by @PMorgan_on_Spts https://t.co/kNxdIG2MXO pic.twitter.com/aorZJa8GDR
— Western Michigan Football (@WMU_Football) August 23, 2022
On the offensive side of the ball, the Broncos are coming off of a season that saw them finish 12th nationally in total offense. Unfortunately, Western Michigan lost a pair of talents in Kaleb Eleby (quarterback) and Skyy Moore (wide receiver), the latter of whom was drafted by Kansas City. Replacing them won't be easy, especially considering the questions of who will get the bulk of the snaps at quarterback. The key for this group will be establishing the run game this season and with Eleasah Anderson Jr. (Sam Houston State, Baylor) coming in from the transfer portal, the Broncos have someone steady that they can rely on to control the trenches.
Defensively, Western Michigan found quite a bit of success last season as well, though they'll need to find help in the secondary to continue to match their pass rush. Tops in the conference in total defense last season, Friday night could be a challenge against an experienced quarterba ck and wide receiver group from the Spartans. A pair of Purdue transfers, Bryce Austin at tackle and Anthony Romphf in the secondary, will look to set the tone early against their old Big Ten rivals. Much like the case on the offensive side of things, unless the Broncos can control the line, it could be a challenge for them to find much success in this one.