This week I had a little more trouble pinning down who I felt was going to be a difference maker for MSU. I have a gut feeling about a defensive player and a special teams player, but couldn't quite pick out who is going to be an elite offensive performer on Saturday. I think I'm comfortable with my picks though.Third star - Derek Marks and Chase Benson (tie). These two are tasked with both stopping the run up the middle and providing inside pressure on passing downs. These guys are the Bobcats' secret weapon against Craig. If these guys can collapse the pocket, containing Craig is possible. He might break a big run or two, but I trade those for a couple sacks and an interception or two caused by pressure.
Second star - Isaiah Ifanse. They may have a good run defense, but I'm not sure they've faced a back with the patience and power of Ifanse. I think MSU's style of running is built to destroy big slow DT and NTs. Because they use position, leverage, and a FB rather than raw power to create holes, those big guys will be slow to respond if not in position. Couple that with good misdirection options and I think Ifanse torches their run D, especially in the second half. I expect 125 yards and 6+ ypc.
First star - Tucker Rovig. I'm doubling down on him after nailing this last week. Austin Peay is very vulnerable to short passes to WR and RB and the passing game in general. While I expect MSU to try some downfield throws, this matchup was built for an accurate game manager, not a gunslinger. I expect Rovig to pick Austin Peay apart early, opening up the run game and the offense in general.
Third Star - Jared Padmos. Saturday feels like it'll be a day where you'll need to lose a few battles to win the war. If the Cats are going to win Saturday, I feel Padmos is key. I figure he not only exceeds his average, but also flips field position once with a huge punt.
Second Star - Brayden Konkol. Trey Lance has only one turnover on the year in a phenomenal freshman performance. He may enter Saturday's game not having thrown an interception, but I don't think he will leave it saying the same. The man I think grabs that interception is Brayden "Big Game" Konkol. He just ends up being in the right place at the right time.
First Star - Mitch Brott. He is Mr. Consistency and will break the MSU record for most consecutive starts on Saturday. He anchors one of the best offensive lines in the FCS. He is technically sound, dominating, cerebral, and mean between the lines. He is the quiet leader of the offense, and I think he plays the game of his life Saturday against the toughest of competition. He will provide Rovig another second to scan the field and Ifanse and Jones big holes to run through. He is the foundation on which that offense is built.