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Michigan State Offensive Players to Watch vs. Ohio State

Returning quarterback Noah Kim fights for the starting job while running back Jalen Berger looks to follow up his impressive 2022 season with even better numbers.

Michigan State heads to Columbus, Ohio to face off against Ohio State on November 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on NBC.

Similar to its Week 11 opponent, two of the biggest storylines around the Spartans involve a quarterback battle and a dominant returning running back trying to continue his success.

Head coach Mel Tucker has plenty of talented players on his roster. Here are some of the names to know for when the Spartans take on the Buckeyes.

Starting Quarterback

Tucker has yet to name a starting quarterback, and said the battle for the position was a "three-man race" between junior Noah Kim, redshirt-freshman Katin Houser and true-freshman Sam Leavitt. 

Leavitt was not previously thought to be in contention for the job, but jumped into the fray when Tucker mentioned him by name in response to a question about the contenders for starter.

The favorite for starter is most likely Kim, due to his previous experience in the Michigan State system. However, with no decision having yet been made, anything is possible.

The quarterback position will be worthy of attention for both the season and the game against Ohio State, regardless of whomever fills the starting role.

RB Jalen Berger

Berger tallied 683 yards and six touchdowns on 148 carries during the 2022 season. These numbers were a significant improvement from the year before, when Berger took 24 carries for 88 yards and a single score.

Berger is undoubtedly Michigan State's RB1, meaning a majority of the ground offense will run through him (pun intended).

Having now had plenty of time to adjust to Michigan State after his dismissal from Wisconsin (something this dominant year might be significant of), Berger appears to be set for his best year yet.

WR Tre Mosley

Mosley will inherit more responsibility this season in the wide receiver room due to the departure of last year's receiving-yards leader, Keon Coleman.

With Coleman now at Florida State after entering the transfer portal, Mosley will be looked at to lead the rest of his position teammates.

With a starting quarterback yet to be named, Mosley is able to build chemistry and trust with each of the Spartans at the position, allowing him to perform at a high level with whomever wins the job.


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