Four Offensive Stars Michigan State Must Slow Down

As the in-state rivalry game draws closer, Michigan has four key players that Michigan State will need to stop to win on Saturday night

Jonathan Smith patrols the sidelines during Michigan State's game at USC on Sept. 20, 2025. | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

Michigan State will take on the number 25-ranked Michigan Wolverines in East Lansing on Oct 25th at 7:30 p.m.on NBC.

Michigan is coming off a dominant rushing performance against Washington at home, whereas Michigan State is coming off a blowout loss against the number two-ranked Indiana.

Head coach Jonathan SmithThe Spartans are now 3-4, as they have lost four games in a row and are trying to save their season but also their jobs. As for Michigan, they are now 5-2 and one more win will give them bowl eligibility and will keep their college football playoff hopes alive.

With the stakes so high for the Spartans, let's look at who they need to stop on the offensive side of the ball.

Bryce Underwood

Bryce Underwood was the number 1 ranked player coming out of high school, and while he hasn't had the spectacular freshman season many expected, he has been a great player and shown that he is the future great QB in college football.

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) walks off the field after 24-7 win over Washington at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Underwood is a 6’4 228 pound QB who can beat you with both his arm and his legs. Something the Spartans have struggled with on defense is stopping the running game with running QBs.

Against Washington, Underwood had his most efficient game this season as he threw 21/27 (77.8%) for 230 yards and two touchdowns.

Underwood also had seven rushes for 25 yards, and while that's nothing to write home about, it doesn't mean the Spartans should ignore his legs. Earlier this season against Central Michigan, Underwood rushed nine times for 114 yards and two touchdowns.

Justice Haynes/Jordan Marshall

Justice Haynes has been dealing with a lower-body injury against USC and didn't play against Washington. However, he should be ready to go against Michigan State, and that's a big problem. Justice Haynes is arguably the best running back in the Big Ten as he is one of the top rushers in the league, rushing for 705 yards and eight touchdowns.

Oct 18, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Jordan Marshall (23) rushes in the first half against the Washington Huskies at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Jordan Marshall played great against Washington last week as he went for 133 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries. If both Haynes and Marshall play, that could spell trouble, as Michigan could have three running threats on the field against arguably the worst rushing defense in the BigTen.

Andrew Marsh

Sep 20, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Andrew Marsh (4) warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Andrew Marsh has been the most reliable pass catcher for the Wolverines this season. While he doesn't have the most receiving yards or receptions, he has only 18 receptions for 297 yards.

However, since the beginning of the month, the true freshman has had most of his receiving yards, as he has had 267 yards out of his 297 yards.

Marsh is going to be the number one option for Underwood and if they load up the box to stop the running game, they are going to need to lock up Marsh.

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