Michigan State vs. Michigan: Scouting report, prediction

The Spartans have struggled running the ball all season. They rank 114th in the nation at just 123.0 yards per game, which is on track to be the lowest total during Mark Dantonio’s 12 seasons leading the program.

Injuries have played a factor. Starter LJ Scott has missed four straight games since being injured in a Sept. 8 loss at Arizona State. Dantonio previously said he was dealing with an ankle injury that made him a game-time decision. However, after dressing and warming up three straight games, he didn’t even travel with the team to Penn State last week and his status remains questionable.

Michigan State has also used six different starting offensive line combinations in six games as the result of injuries. Right guard Kevin Jarvis sat out the last three games with an apparent right leg injury while left guard David Beedle was injured in an Oct. 6 loss to Northwestern and expected to miss about a month.

With Scott out, Michigan State has used a running back rotation, led by sophomore Connor Heyward and true freshman La’Darius Jefferson. Combined, the five running backs used this season are averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. Jefferson posted career highs with 15 carries for 60 yards against Penn State and scored a touchdown.

Michigan ranks 15th in the nation in rushing defense at 108.9 yards per game. After allowing just 67 yards rushing combined in wins against Nebraska and Northwestern to open Big Ten play, Maryland and Wisconsin combined for 330 yards on the ground the last two weeks. However, those are two of the top rushing attacks in the nation.

Bush leads the Wolverines with 45 tackles, including six for a loss, while Winovich has 39 stops, and a team-high 10.5 for a loss. Both are All-American candidates. Preseason All-American defensive end Rashan Gary missed each of the last two games with a shoulder injury and is questionable this week.