Michigan State @ Western Michigan preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 30, 2013 ) Western Michigan 13, Michigan State 26

Sixth-ranked Michigan State begins the quest for a national championship when it visits dangerous Western Michigan in the opener for both teams Friday. The Spartans are strong and experienced on both lines while Connor Cook begins the season as one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the country after throwing for 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2014.

Michigan State, which is 11-2 all time against the Broncos, starts auditions for its go-to players at running back and wide receiver in the opener after losing the most-productive performers at each position. The Spartans also chart a new course on defense after successful coordinator Pat Narduzzi departed to become head coach at Pittsburgh. That unit should be tested by Western Michigan, who averaged almost 34 points last season and return all the key skilled-position players that led the team to a seven-win improvement. Michigan State must contain running back Jarvion Franklin (1,551 yards, 24 rushing TDs) and quarterback Zach Terrell (26 TD passes).

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Michigan State -17.5

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (2014: 11-2): Coach Mark Dantonio tabbed Harlon Barnett and Mike Tressel as co-defensive coordinators and they immediately had to replace talented starting linebacker Ed Davis, who was lost for the season with a knee injury. Dominating defensive end Shilique Calhoun leads the unit, which lost its top two defensive backs but has talented linebackers Riley Bullough and Darien Harris back. Red-shirt freshman Madre London is expected to get the first shot at tailback, but there are plenty of options for Dantonio.

ABOUT WESTERN MICHIGAN (2014: 8-5): Coach P.J. Fleck brings back nine starters on an offense that produced more than 40 points six times last season and will depend on Franklin, who was the 2014 MAC Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman. Daniel Braverman led the MAC in receptions (86) and Corey Davis topped the league in receiving yards (1,408) to give Terrell (67.9 percent passer) two major targets. The Broncos defense, led by linebacker Grant DePalma (102 tackles), will be severely tested by the Spartans and No. 1 Ohio State on Sept. 26.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Spartans are the only team to be ranked in the FBS top 10 in total defense and rushing defense each of the last four seasons.

2. Western Michigan, which lost to Air Force 38-24 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl last year, was picked third in the MAC West by the coaches in a preseason poll.

3. With their top two WRs gone, Michigan State will look to Macgarrett Kings Jr. (29 catches), Aaron Burbridge (29) and versatile R.J. Shelton (16) to step up production.

PREDICTION: Michigan State 38, Western Michigan 20