Michigan State Football: Game by game predictions for 2015 season

Oct 11, 2014; DeKalb, IL, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas running back Thomas Rawls (34) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first quarter at Huskie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Finishing a measly 7-6 last season, Central Michigan looks to be on the same track to do the same type of damage, or lack thereof, in 2015.

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The Chippewas return just five starters on each side of the ball and while that may be good for the offense — lethargic last season — it’s not so good news for the defense as it ranked 29th in the country in yards allowed per game in 2014.

Junior quarterback Cooper Rush returns as the starter, hoping to carry the momentum he garnered from the Bahamas Bowl back in December 2014 when he passed for 493 yards and seven touchdown passes while his team lost the comeback bid while trying to complete the two-point conversion.

While Rush returns under center, top wide out Titus Davis and running back Thomas Rawls have both departed. This leaves a bare cupboard for the third-year quarterback who will be returning only senior wide out Jesse Kroll to the starting lineup, in terms of skill players.

Michigan State will have no problem handling an unproven offense and taking advantage of an inexperienced defense — all new linebackers and two new defensive backs.

This could end up being the Spartans’ best offensive output of the young season thus far.

Prediction: Central Michigan 10, Michigan State 52 (4-0)

Next: Week 5: Purdue