Michigan State football vs. Richmond: Official Chopalytics preview

Week 1 is in the books and Michigan State football is 1-0. Let’s see what the Chopalytics are saying about Week 2 vs. Richmond.

For about two quarters last week, it looked like Michigan State football might be having a hard time putting away Central Michigan heading into halftime up 10-7. But 31-7 in favor of the good guys ended up being the final.

Now that we can put that game behind us, MSU looks to take a page out of the school down the road’s book by scheduling a cupcake in Week 2. The Richmond Spiders come to Spartan Stadium on Saturday and look to get their first win of the year after losing to Morgan State 17-10.

About the only thing frightening about this week’s opponent is their mascot. Look, I don’t have a fear of spiders, but I know a lot of people out there do.  Don’t sweat it, you don’t have to be afraid of these Spiders.

Here’s what the Chopalytics say you should look for heading into Saturday:

1. Arm sleeve assassin

   1. Noah Kim is presumed to be the starter at quarterback barring any injuries or major changes. Given the way the offense started against CMU, look for Kim to come out hot on Saturday. I’m expecting offensive coordinator Jay Johnson to dial up plenty of deep passes and I’m crossing all of my body parts that our receiver’s don’t make any stupid mistakes.

2. GoFundMe for Maliq Carr

   1. We have been hearing consistently over the last four years how important the tight end position is to Johnson’s offense. It seemed like we really tried to get Carr involved early last week but it seemed he was doing everything in his power to not catch the ball. He claims he catches better with his bare hands but are we sure about that? I think as a collective we can pool together $40 to get the freak some gloves.

3. Itty-bitty Spiders

   1. I took one look at Richmond’s offensive line and, whew, it doesn’t look pretty. Most of its offensive line stands at just 6-foot-3 or 6-foot-4 compared to MSU’s bruisers who average 6-foot-6-plus. Now I know ‘low man wins’ but if that were always the case, the team with the smallest lineman in the country would win the Joe Moore Award every year. My Chop-ometer is telling me the defensive line is feasting this week.

Not a ton in regards to scouting report for Richmond. Knock on wood, I don’t think it should be too tough of a game. I’ll be looking for Kim to come out hot. And if he doesn’t, I may hit the panic button heading into Washington.

Chopalytics loading…

Final: MSU 45, Richmond 10

Zion Young – 2.0 sacks
Tyrell Henry – a kick return for touchdown
Three rushing touchdowns (meaning three HopCat burgers)

Talk soon,
ChopMan