Michigan Football: Michigan State Players to Watch

Oct 10, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) gets around Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Blessuan Austin (10) during the first quarter at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

This will be easily the best receiving core Michigan has played thus far. Leading the way for the receivers is senior Aaron Burbridge.

Following in the footsteps of 2014 receiver Tony Lippett, Burbridge has been easily Cook’s favorite target, snagging 34 catches for 560 yards and four touchdowns. That stat of 560 yards eclipsed his total last year with ease. Burbridge has been the No. 1 target all year and I wouldn’t expect that to change at all come Saturday.

Michigan has locked down some good receivers before, but Burbridge will certainly have to be held in check without taking too much attention away from the other receivers.

Burbridge has a high possibility of going pro. Should he be able to expose the Michigan defense, it will certainly raise his draft stock.

I have faith in Jourdan Lewis to be able to handle Burbridge, and the safeties to help where it may be necessary. These receivers against these defensive backs will be a great matchup to see. To this point, this is the biggest test for the Michigan defense. Well established position and coverage can get the defensive backs some interception opportunities. The Michigan defense will have the opportunities, but it will also need to capitalize.

Next: DE Shilique Calhoun