Michigan St.-Rutgers Preview

Oct 6, 2015 at 4:28p ET

Oct 6, 2015 at 4:28p ET

(AP) - Coach Mark Dantonio is well aware of the numbers, especially Michigan State's record: 5-0.

The fourth-ranked Spartans have been outscored 73-50 in the second half, after owning the first half 107-31. That and a 24-21 scare from one-win Purdue in their Big Ten opener last Saturday prompted a drop from No. 2 in the rankings this week, drawing skepticism about the team's ability to ''Reach Higher'' after No. 3 and No. 5 national finishes.

Heading into Saturday night's game at Rutgers (2-2, 0-1), Dantonio would rather look at the positives. That includes his injury-plagued team's ability to finish games, reflected in a 31-3 record since late in…