Washington at Michigan State: How to Watch and Preview

WHO: Washington Huskies (5-4, 2-4) at Michigan State Spartans (3-6, 1-5)

WHERE: Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, MI

WHEN: Saturday, November 14, at 4:15 p.m. EST

WATCH: BTN

The two teams enter this matchup with opposite momentum.

The Spartans just earned their first conference victory under new head coach Pat Fitzgerald, defeating in-state rival Michigan. Michigan State's defense played exceptionally well, holding the Wolverines to just six points. It was the Spartans' first win over Michigan in five years.

The Huskies, meanwhile, are coming off a heartbreaking homecoming loss to Penn State. The defeat snapped a two-game winning streak and spoiled what was supposed to be a special night in the Pacific Northwest.

Now, Washington travels across the country to face a Michigan State team riding high on pride and passion after finally getting the better of its closest rival.

The Spartans overcame a litany of injuries to earn their first victory since Week 2, snapping a six-game losing streak in the process.

Still, Michigan State's offense was difficult to watch. The Spartans managed to move the ball enough to give Liam Boyd five field goal attempts, and he converted every one of them. However, the offense remains a major concern.

Michigan State ranks dead last in the Big Ten, averaging just 19.3 points per game. The Spartans also remain the only team in the conference yet to score 20 total touchdowns this season, with 18.

The defense has shown improvement but still allows 23.6 points per game, ranking 14th among the 18 Big Ten teams.

Michigan State has been riddled with injuries in the secondary, but that hasn't stopped defensive coordinator Joe Rossi from getting production out of his unit. The Spartans rank ninth in the Big Ten in opponent passing yards per game, allowing just 194.3.

While Michigan State ranks 13th in the conference in rushing yards allowed, that part of its defense was one of its biggest strengths against Michigan. The Spartans completely shut down the Wolverines' ground game, forcing quarterback Tommy Carr to shoulder the offensive load through the air.

Washington's tough loss to Penn State ended a two-game winning streak that included its first two conference victories of the season.

The Huskies have not quite played up to their standards this season, and now they face a difficult road test against a Michigan State team coming off an emotional rivalry victory.

Washington averages 26.3 points per game, ranking 13th in the Big Ten and scoring approximately seven more points per game than Michigan State. Defensively, the Huskies allow 21.9 points per game, which ranks 10th in the conference.

Michigan State's pass defense will have its work cut out for it against Washington. The Huskies rank fifth in the Big Ten in passing yards per game, averaging 265.1.

However, Washington is heavily reliant on its passing attack. The Huskies rank second-to-last in the conference in rushing yards per game, averaging just 99.3. They are also one of only two Big Ten teams averaging fewer than 100 rushing yards per game.

Defensively, Washington ranks around the middle of the conference in both passing and rushing yards allowed, leaving opportunities for the Spartans if they can find some consistency offensively.

This should be an interesting matchup between two teams that remain bowl eligible. However, Michigan State has a much narrower path to a bowl game, as the Spartans must win all three of their remaining contests to reach the required six victories.

After taking down Michigan, that goal suddenly feels more attainable. The next step comes Saturday at home against Washington.

If the Spartans can contain the Huskies' passing attack, this matchup could turn into a pick'em game. Michigan State's defense has shown it can compete, but the offense will need to do its part if the Spartans hope to make it two consecutive victories.