Editor's note: This is part four of a 12-part series on InsideHilltopperSports.com previewing Western Kentucky football's 12 opponents for the 2021 season. The fourth opponent preview is Michigan State.

One week after playing Big Ten program Indiana at Houchens-Smith Stadium, Western Kentucky will hit the road to East Lansing, Michigan in Week 5 to square off with another Big Ten opponent in Michigan State – and on the Spartans' Homecoming night at Spartan Stadium.

Michigan State is coming off a down season in 2020, as it went just 2-5 overall and significantly struggled on the offensive side of the ball. The Spartans put up just 18 points and 330 yards per outing – including just 91.4 yards in the rushing game – and their highest-scoring game of the season was 29 points in a win over Northwestern.

GAME INFORMATION

Western Kentucky at Michigan State

Saturday, October 2 | 6:30 PM

Spartan Stadium | East Lansing, Michigan

TV: TBA

2020 RESULTS

Rutgers – Loss, 38-27

Michigan – Win, 27-24

Iowa – Loss, 49-7

Indiana – Loss, 24-0

Northwestern – Win, 29-20

Ohio State – Loss, 52-12

Penn State – Loss, 39-24

Overall: 2-5

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Payton Thorne – Quarterback – Redshirt Sophomore

A redshirt sophomore, quarterback Payton Thorne played backup to Rocky Lombardi last season and threw for 528 yards and three touchdowns with three interceptions. With Lombardi entering the NCAA Transfer Portal and transferring to Northern Illinois, Thorne is in position to be Michigan State's quarterback in 2021.

Noah Harvey – Linebacker – Redshirt Senior

Veteran linebacker Noah Harvey is back to lead the Spartans' defense after recording 54 tackles – 31 of those being unassisted – with a pair of quarterback hurries last season. In three seasons with MSU, Harvey has played in 32 games and made 105 total tackles.

Xavier Henderson – Safety – Senior

Senior safety Xavier Henderson put together a solid season a year ago, making 41 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss. Henderson leads all active Spartans with 139 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, two interceptions, six pass breakups and one forced fumble in 33 career games. He's made 20 straight starts for MSU.

OVERALL OUTLOOK

Playing a Big Ten team on the road – and on their Homecoming – is going to be a challenge for WKU, but Michigan State is certainly not the best team in the Big Ten, and the Hilltoppers will be expected to compete.

The Spartans won just two games a year ago for a reason, and they're going to have some work to do to get back on track in 2021.

The Hilltoppers will head to East Lansing after already having played both Army and Indiana, so they'll be prepared for another matchup with a Power Five club.

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