Midwest College Football Teams Navigate Week 3
Midwest College Football Teams Navigate Week 3
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Key Points
1
Michigan State offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan used wildcat formations and wide receivers in creative roles, while Trey Fancher’s mobility enabled several run-pass-option plays in the third quarter.
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Michigan State’s third-quarter touchdown drive lasted 13 plays and more than six minutes; Cam Edwards finished it with a rushing score after the Spartans ran the ball eight times on the drive.
3
Fredrick Moore scored Michigan State’s first points on a pass up the right seam, while Charles Taplin also recorded the first touchdown of his career during the game.
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Wisconsin’s game against Eastern Michigan is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at Camp Randall, serving as the Badgers’ final nonconference game of the season.
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Iowa defensive back Zach Lutmer said the secondary had to complete an extra practice drill because of something he did in the previous game, while offensive lineman Leighton Jones discussed making his first two starts alongside Trevor Lauck.
Michigan State's dominant 35-7 victory over Eastern Michigan showcased an increasingly creative offensive scheme built around mobility and ground control. The Spartans rushed for 258 yards and pulled away with 21 second-half points, establishing quarterback Trey Fancher as a key component in what 247Sports described as an evolving attack featuring wildcat formations and unconventional receiver alignments.
Across the Big Ten, Wisconsin crushed Eastern Michigan 54-10 at Camp Randall in a rain-soaked dominant performance, while Iowa continues sorting out personnel questions at quarterback and along the offensive line heading into Week 3 matchups that will test early-season momentum.
Michigan State's Creative Rushing Attack Takes Shape
Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan's scheme leaned heavily on run-based plays, with Michigan State executing a masterclass in ball control during a 13-play, six-minute touchdown drive in the third quarter. 247Sports reported the Spartans ran the ball eight times on that drive alone, finishing with a Cam Edwards rushing score. Fredrick Moore also scored on a pass up the right seam early in the game.
Trey Fancher's presence enabled run-pass-option plays that kept Eastern Michigan's defense off-balance throughout the second half. Charles Taplin recorded his first career touchdown as the Spartans demonstrated they could move the ball consistently without relying solely on passing. The question now is whether sports analysts will advocate for more balance between Michigan State's dominant ground game and vertical passing attacks.
Wisconsin Prepares for Badgers' First Home Win Push
Wisconsin's 54-10 demolition of Eastern Michigan set the stage for the Badgers to seek their first home win of 2024 when they host the same opponent again at 11:30 a.m. at Camp Randall. Wisconsin Athletics noted the Badgers (2-1) dominated the rain-soaked contest with 302 first-half passing yards and a 31-7 halftime lead, building momentum heading into conference play.
The non-conference matchup serves as Wisconsin's final tune-up before Big Ten competition begins in earnest. Establishing early home-field dominance will be critical as the Badgers look to build on their recent defensive and offensive displays.
Iowa Navigates Quarterback Uncertainty and Development
At Iowa, quarterback Hank Brown faces questions about his role heading into Week 3 as the Hawkeyes continue evaluating their starting lineup. Defensive backs Zach Lutmer and Jaylen Watson have impressed early, though Iowa Athletics reported Lutmer had to complete extra practice drills after a mistake in the previous game affected the secondary's performance.
Offensive lineman Leighton Jones discussed the adjustment period of making his first two career starts alongside center Trevor Lauck, highlighting the work-in-progress nature of Iowa's offensive line. The combination of personnel questions and early-season growing pains suggests the Hawkeyes' performance could swing significantly once the lineup settles.
Ball State Prepares Road Test Against Liberty
Ball State coach Mike Uremovich is preparing the Cardinals for a road matchup against Liberty, a challenging non-conference contest. Running back TJ Horton and linebacker Layton Starks both emphasized the importance of competing on the road and executing fundamentally sound football in what amounts to a statement-building opportunity for the program.
The Cardinals' ability to operate efficiently away from home will test their Week 3 readiness and provide valuable insights into whether Ball State can compete against stronger non-conference opponents.
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