Washington Huskies: Game 3 vs. Michigan State – TV, Weather, More
In Week 3, the Washington Huskies have a tough task ahead of them as they host 9th-ranked Michigan State. Pacific Northwest Sports has all you need to know.
PNWS presents what you need to know to enjoy Game 3 of Washington Huskies 2022 football as they host ninth-ranked Michigan State in Seattle. Whether you are headed to Husky Stadium or watching on TV, we have Washington fans covered.
Details
Who: #9 Michigan State Spartans (2-0) at Washington Huskies (2-0)
Where: Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium – Seattle, Washington.
When: Saturday, September 17, 2021 – 4:30 p.m. PDT.
TV: ABC. Announcers: Mark Jones, Robert Griffin III, Quint Kessenich (506.com).
Weather: The teams can look forward to overcast skies, temperatures in the low 60s, and a light NNW breeze of around 10 mph. (weather.com).
Line: Washington -3.5. Over/Under: 56.5 (Odds Shark).
Dear Washington Huskies ,
Husky nation approves these unis 👀 go beat Michigan State Saturday
— George Jarjour (@GeorgeOnTap) September 15, 2022
Injuries
Washington Huskies
Out – LB Eddie Ulofoshio (knee), S Vincent Nunley. Questionable – DL Armon Parker (undisclosed), S Tristan Dunn (undisclosed). Probable – OT Jaxson Kirkland (ankle), WR Rome Odunze (undisclosed).
Michigan State Spartans
Out – LB Darius Snow. Questionable – WR Terry Lockett Jr. (leg), WR Jayden Reed (undisclosed), S Xavier Henderson (leg).
Interesting Trends
The Washington Huskies started 2022 with a pair of wins. However, they are 5-11 against the spread recently. The total went over in 4 of 5.
Michigan State is currently on a four-game winning streak. They are also 13-2 since the start of 2021. In 4 of their last 5 games, MSU has covered, and the total went under.
Outlook
It’s early in the season. And though neither team has played an opponent of consequence, there are some interesting dynamics at work.
When the Spartans have the ball, their strength is the Washington Huskies’ weakness and vice-versa.
Michigan State outscored Akron and Western Michigan by a combined 85-13. The Spartans racked up huge yards with their ground game.
MSU’s lead back this season is Jalen Burger. The highly productive back has 227 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards per rushing attempt. His backups Jarek Broussard and Elijah Collins average 5.4 and 7.1 yards per carry, respectively.
Last year the Washington Huskies had big problems stopping the run. They’ve been better this season, but can still expect a steady diet of Burger and company.
Conversely, Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne hasn’t racked up stats so far. He’s compiled 445 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions on 30 of 52 (57.7%).
To make his job more difficult, two of his top receivers are banged up, and Washington has an outstanding secondary.
On the other side, new Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has looked very comfortable early on. He’s completed 69.7% of his passes for 682 yards and 6 touchdowns with only 1 interception.
His favorite target is Jalen McMillen. The Sophomore has 9 catches for 214 yards and found the endzone 3 times. While UW doesn’t run as often as their opponent, lead back, Wayne Taulapapa averages 6.6 yards per carry.
The Huskies face a stifling MSU defense that likes to come after the quarterback. Linebacker Jacoby Windmon already has 5.5 sacks. It’s on Washington’s offensive line to give Penix time.
For UW, it will come down to stopping the run. If they can force Thorne into poor down-and-distance situations, they have a very good chance to win. That’s much easier said than done when facing someone like Berger.
Related Story: Scouting Michigan State
Catch up with PNWS on Sunday when we present our biggest takeaways from the game.