Michigan State vs Rutgers: Predicting the final score

By Connor Muldowney | Oct 9, 2015

Saturday’s Michigan State vs Rutgers game might just tell us a lot about how good this Spartan team really is. Will Michigan State finally put a full game together and take down the Scarlet Knights in the first game outside of the state of Michigan this year?

Related: Michigan State vs Rutgers: 5 reasons the Spartans will win

Our writers weigh in on who they thing will come out on top and what the final score of the game will ultimately be.

Connor Muldowney: Finally, we will see an offense that is ready to really break out and Connor Cook’s slow start will soon be forgotten as this will be the beginning of a scorching-hot streak for the senior QB. He will pass for over 300 yards for the first time this season while Madre London and L.J. Scott combine for 250 on the ground.

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The defense will also find its groove, holding the Scarlet Knights under 300 yards and not letting Chris Laviano complete any deep throws.

Prediction: Michigan State 42, Rutgers 24

Thomas Nikundiwe: I’m done predicting MSU blowouts. This seems to be a team that does just enough to win or just doesn’t have the pieces to really put other teams down. Between Leonte Carroo and Janarion Grant, Rutgers has enough big play ability to keep this one interesting.

Still, MSU is the superior team in the trenches and that generally leads to wins in the Big Ten. Look for Aaron Burbridge to get back on track as he will face a freshman cornerback. L.J. Scott will follow his tackle, Jack Allen, to paydirt a couple of times as well.

Prediction: Michigan State 31, Rutgers 24

Zachary Weber: News that either Jack Conklin or Kodi Kieler may be returning this week will give Connor Cook a better sense of protection as the offensive line remains undecided. Cook will have one of his best passing games of the season and the Spartans will do just enough defensively in front of a night crowd to enjoy a comfortable win. The special teams will also perform strongly against Janarion Grant, one of the better returners in the country.

Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Madre London (28) looks up before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Spartan Stadium. Spartans beat the Ducks 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction: Michigan State 34, Rutgers 17

Patrick Forrest: Going on the road may be the best thing for the Spartans. With high expectations getting away from a home crowd that is tough to please and playing in front of a hostile crowd at night will help to bring the Spartans together.

Dave Warner finally realizes he has first-round talent at quarterback and lets Connor Cook cut loose early and often, as Cook goes over 250 yards for the day. The defense rallies behind New Jersey-native Shilique Calhoun and plays inspired football. The Spartans put together the first complete game of the year and carry some good momentum and vibes into Michigan week.

Prediction: Michigan State 34, Rutgers 17

Daniel Gottschalk: Connor Cook gets back on track and has another big day along with Aaron Burbridge reaching the endzone twice on his way to over 100 yards receiving. Josiah Price will catch yet another TD pass in his first game back from injury. Rutgers receiver Leonte Caroo will beat a Spartan defensive back deep for a score, but MSU’s D will have a good day otherwise, stopping the run and forcing three turnovers.

Shilique Calhoun will have another multi-sack day as he plays in his home state for the first time. Mark Dantonio will burn the redshirt of freshman cornerback Josh Butler, opting for Butler instead of Edmondson when a starting CB goes down briefly. Butler will impress and grab a hold of a starting CB spot for the rest of the season.

Prediction: Michigan State 31, Rutgers 17

Next: MSU Football: 5 bold predictions for October

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