No. 8 Washington travels to Michigan State on Saturday for one of Week 3’s most interesting nonconference matchups — in more ways than one. The Spartans are reeling following the recent suspension of coach Mel Tucker, who was put on leave without pay after sexual harassment allegations surfaced. 

Tucker’s future at Michigan State is in doubt as the university works through its investigation. Former defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett, who served as an associate head coach under former Spartans boss Mark Dantonio, will serve as interim coach while Tucker is suspended. The Spartans are 2-0 to start the year, though they have yet to face power-conference competition. 

Washington, meanwhile, is hoping for big things this season. The Huskies came in at No. 8 in the most recent AP Top 25 and are the second-highest ranked Pac-12 team behind sixth-ranked USC. Washington is an early contender to win the Pac-12 in the final year of its current form before joining the Big Ten. 

The Huskies played host to Michigan State last season and made an early statement with a 39-28 win, propelling them to an 11-2 campaign and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl. Saturday marks the fifth meeting all-time between Washington and Michigan State, with Washington holding a 3-1 advantage in previous contests. The Huskies are heavy favorites to add to that total. 

How to watch Michigan State vs. Washington live

Date: Saturday, Sept. 16 | Time: 5 p.m. ET
Location: Spartan Stadium — East Lansing, Michigan
Live stream: Peacock

Michigan State vs. Washington: Need to know

Long time coming for Barnett: A Michigan State man through and through, Barnett was a three-year starter at safety for the Spartans from 1986-89 under coach George Perles. He returned to Michigan State…