Wyoming-Michigan State Preview Capsule

The Associated Press

WYOMING (3-1) at No. 9 MICHIGAN STATE (2-1), 12 p.m. ET (ESPN2)

Line: Michigan State by 31

Series Record: Michigan State leads 2-0.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Wyoming’s solid record is a bit deceiving. The Cowboys have won three games by a combined 10 points and lost by 34 to Oregon. Still, Craig Bohl’s first season as Wyoming’s coach is off to an encouraging start, and this is an opportunity to earn some national respect with a competitive performance. For Michigan State, this is more of a tuneup before the Spartans begin Big Ten play the following weekend with a big game against Nebraska.

KEY MATCHUP

Wyoming RB Shaun Wick against Michigan State’s defensive front. Wick is averaging 6.1 yards per carry, but this will be a massive test for the Cowboys against one of the nation’s most well-regarded defensive programs.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Wyoming: WR Dominic Rufran has a catch in 41 consecutive games, and his 88-yard reception last weekend set up the winning field goal in a victory over Florida Atlantic.

Michigan State: RB Delton Williams ran for 103 yards and three touchdowns in last weekend’s rout of Eastern Michigan. It was the sophomore’s first 100-yard rushing game, and the Spartans could use another productive runner to go along with Jeremy Langford.

FACTS & FIGURES

The teams last met in 1977, with Michigan State winning 34-16. … Wyoming will be the Spartans’ first nonconference Homecoming opponent since Penn State in 1952, and this is only the second time Michigan State is playing its Homecoming game in September. … Michigan State has set a school record with 145 points in its first three games. … Wyoming’s only win over a Big Ten team was against Wisconsin in 1986.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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