Breakdown: MSU vs. Florida Atlantic

The MSU football team hasn’t played in Detroit since 1944, but the Spartan will return to the city Saturday, when they play Florida Atlantic at Ford Field. Game time is set for noon on ESPNU.

FAU is coming off a 32-31 win against UAB, in which it rallied from 16 points down. Quarterback Jeff Van Camp threw three touchdown passes and replaces departed star Rusty Smith.

The Spartans defeated the Owls, 17-0, in a rain-soaked game at Spartan Stadium in 2008 that was highlighted by running back Javon Ringer’s 282 rushing yards. Neither team was able to do anything through the air.

Later in the season, the Owls reached the Motor City Bowl — played in Ford Field — and they defeated Central Michigan, 24-21.

Here are four key matchups that will determine Saturday’s game.

MSU quarterback Kirk Cousins vs. FAU secondary

Cousins wasn’t needed much with the way the Spartans ran the ball Saturday, but he will try to build off a 13-for-21 game in which he threw for 186 yards and a touchdown. He connected with senior wide receiver Mark Dell six times, and also hit senior tight end Charlie Gantt, junior receiver Keith Nichol and junior tight end Brian Linthicum twice.

With all their weapons, the Spartans know they can exploit a lot of team’s secondaries, but will need all their tight ends and junior receivers Keshawn Martin and BJ Cunningham to play well.

FAU held UAB to 79 passing yards in the season opener, but the Blazers only passed the ball 19 times, completing nine.
Edge: MSU

FAU quarterback Jeff Van Camp vs. MSU secondary

The Spartans’ secondary showed an improved effort Saturday, limiting Western Michigan to 238 yards on 53 attempts. Last season MSU ranked last in the Big Ten in pass defense, but was sparked by a good pass rush and the ability to limit big plays.

Smith’s departure doesn’t mean the Owls are devoid of a quality quarterback. Van Camp appeared in 10 games last season while Smith was out with an injury and threw for 12 touchdowns.

He threw for 254 yards and three touchdowns last week and has some talented wide receivers to throw to, including senior Lester Jean, who had 500 receiving yards last year and 164 yards last week.

The Owls ranked first in the Sun Belt Conference last season in scoring offense.
Edge: Split

MSU kickoff return team vs. FAU kicking game

Junior kick returner Keshawn Martin made a rare mistake for the Spartans when he fumbled a punt in MSU’s win Saturday. Otherwise, MSU’s special teams played well in their first game of the season.

The Owls return kicker Ross Gornall, who had eight touchback kickoffs last season. FAU gave up 22.1 yards per kick return last season.
Edge: MSU

MSU offensive line vs. FAU front seven

The Spartans dominated the Broncos’ up front Saturday. The Spartans ran for 297 yards but did give up two sacks.

The MSU offensive line saw senior tackle J’Michael Deane step up on the right side and the rest of the unit play well. FAU allowed 345 rushing yards against UAB last week. It’s going to be tough for the Owls to bounce back against a good running attack this week.
Edge: MSU

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