Western Michigan @ Michigan State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 4, 2010 ) Western Michigan 14, Michigan State 38

Michigan State’s offensive identity remains a mystery heading into its season opener on Friday against visiting Western Michigan, which was picked to finish fifth in the MAC’s West Division. Fortunately for the Spartans, their vaunted defense again should rank among the nation’s best this season. Even with an offense that’s a work in progress, Michigan State figures to be a difficult matchup for the Broncos and 32-year-old first-year head coach P.J. Fleck.

Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio held an open competition at quarterback before finally naming senior Andrew Maxwell as his starter on Tuesday, but sophomore Connor Cook also is expected to play in the season opener. Thanks to a forgiving early-season schedule, Michigan State has some time to figure out its offense before visiting Notre Dame on Sept. 21. The Spartans should be able to rely on their defense to get past Western Michigan, which faces three Big Ten teams in the first four weeks.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Michigan State -27.5

ABOUT WESTERN MICHIGAN (2012: 4-8, 2-6 MAC): Senior quarterback Tyler Van Tubbergen started six games last season, but the Broncos' younger players will need to produce in order to accelerate Fleck's rebuilding plans. The offense suffered a major blow when sophomore wide receiver Jaime Wilson broke his left ankle during camp, but Fleck is optimistic that freshman Corey Davis can make an immediate impact. On defense, the Broncos are hoping for improved play from their experienced secondary, which had just eight interceptions last season.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (2012: 7-6, 3-5 Big Ten): The Spartans will rotate running backs in an effort to replace 1,700-yard rusher Le’Veon Bell, who left after his junior season for the NFL. Junior Jeremy Langford will start at tailback on Friday, but freshman Riley Bullough and junior Nick Hill also should receive plenty of chances. The Spartans’ defense has led the Big Ten each of the past two seasons, and the unit boasts seven returning starters - including senior linebacker Max Bullough.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Michigan State leads the all-time series 10-2, including a 7-0 mark in games played in Spartan Stadium.

2. Western Michigan’s starting five offensive linemen have a combined 33 games of experience, including five starts.

3. The Spartans are 95-21 in home openers, including a 14-game winning streak that began in 1999.

PREDICTION: Michigan State 31, Western Michigan 9