Cotton Bowl 2015, Michigan State vs Alabama: Predicting the final score

The writers of Spartan Avenue sat down to predict the outcome of the Michigan State vs Alabama game.

The writers of Spartan Avenue sat down to share their predictions of what will happen in Thursday night’s Michigan State vs Alabama Cotton Bowl Classic matchup. You might be surprised at some of our writers who have chosen the Crimson Tide.

Must Read: Michigan State vs Alabama preview, prediction, odds and more

Connor Muldowney: Michigan State is going to have a tough time worrying strictly about the run, especially with Calvin Ridley ready to burn the secondary deep. Worrying about an elite aspect (run game) of an offense usually allows the less impressive aspect (pass game) to go off. That might not be the case, but I see Coker and Ridley hooking up for a couple of long balls early on, catching MSU off guard. The game will be close, but in the end, MSU will have trouble scoring on the final drive.

Prediction: Michigan State 20, Alabama 23

Evan Cruse: I think Derrick Henry doesn’t go off for a lot, maybe around 100, but the difference is Connor Cook. I don’t think Cook is fully healthy and it will show. If he is fully healthy, I’ll say MSU 35-21, but that’ll have to be proven to me.

Nov 7, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) attempts to catch the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction: Michigan State 21, Alabama 28

Patrick Forrest: Connor Cook’s shoulder is fully healthy and he is able to take advantage of the defensive backfield of the Crimson Tide. Cook and Burbridge connect early and on the deep ball, forcing Alabama to realize Cook can throw more than 10 yard passing plays.

The Spartan running game struggles against the stout Tide defensive front but does enough to keep them honest, at the end of the game the three headed running attack accounts for just under 80 yards. The Spartan Dawg defensive plays masterfully against Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, holding him to under 100 yards.

Jake Coker does connect on a deep play to pull Alabama close in the second half but the Spartan defense tightens up and MSU goes on to play for the National Championship.

Prediction: Michigan State 24, Alabama 20

Daniel Gottschalk: This one is all going to come down to the health of Connor Cook. If Cook can not throw the ball effectively, MSU will not be able to run the ball against the nation’s top-ranked rushing defense.

Michigan State must contain Henry and not get beat deep for big play action pass plays to Alabama’s talented receivers. Assuming Cook is healthy, and Michigan State’s defense continues its late season resurgence, the Spartans will squeak by the Tide into the national championship on a last second field goal by Michael Geiger.

Prediction: Michigan State 20, Alabama 17

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio stands on the field during the second half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Jesse Ford: This game has the feelings of a prize fight.  Both teams respect each other, both teams know the other has ability and skill. I wouldn’t expect much from Alabama early.

I feel that the Bama’s coaching staff will, ‘do what they do’ and try to feel out whether or not the Spartans are physical enough to handle their smash mouth brand of attack. They will however try to go deep on an early play action play in the first quarter.

On the MSU side of the football, the Spartans will use some different sets and formations to find angles to attack a stout front seven for Alabama. I believe the Spartans will use more pace and the passing game to soften the attacking mentality of a defense that relies on it’s pass rush to be it’s pass defense.

Michigan State will not simply be able to lineup and pound the ball, but they will be able to move the ball thru the air. If the coaching staff is smart, they will utilize some quick screens early to reset the Alabama defense. Connor Cook’s arm and ability to read defenses will be the strongest asset the Spartans have against the Crimson Tide.

One thing to note, Alabama plays a 3-4 base defense, which is something only a few Big Ten teams utilize. Maryland is one of those teams, and Maryland was ultra aggressive in their blitzing scheme.

Ultimately, this was done because of the decimation of the offensive line at the time. Bama isn’t a heavy blitzing team, but it’s something to keep an eye on. If there is any variation between either team, I believe it will happen with Bama providing a few timely blitzes versus Michigan State picking up the pace with some no-huddle offense and misdirection in the running AND passing game (i.e. the 74 yard pass to Trevon Pendleton against Michigan).

As far as predictions go, this team is a team of destiny and I believe they have the belief and talent to pull them thru in this game.  This game on paper should be played like the Iowa game, but look for freshman Felton Davis to make one key grab, look for Burbridge to have a seven-catch 100-plus yard game and look for Cook to throw for 280-plus yards for an MSU victory over a very talented Alabama squad.

If Michigan State decides to simply pound the ball early they won’t win, but I have a keen feeling that the coaching staff will have some wrinkles in the game that Alabama won’t be ready for early.  The game will swing back and forth based on momentum and timely plays.

In my humble opinion Michigan State wins this one late, sealing the game with a Coker interception on the final drive.

Prediction: Michigan State 27, Alabama 23

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Thomas Nikundiwe: I look for Alabama’s Derrick Henry to get an early touchdown from a missed gap assignment. MSU goes down 10-3 early and the teams play to a draw during the second and third quarters, but with MSU gaining some momentum and confidence as the game wears on.

In the fourth quarter, down seven, MSU runs what looks like a play they have run several times during the game, but this time adds an element of trickery to it, completely fooling the Alabama defense. This huge play ties the game and also opens it up. Alabama answers with a bomb beating an MSU safety.

MSU is able to answer with a drive of their own with a series of quick passes to Kings and Shelton. LJ Scott finishes off the drive with an impressive run to tie it again. Alabama gets the ball for what a potentially game-winning drive, but turns the ball over on a strip sack. Michael Geiger wins the game as MSU is able to move into position for game-winning field goal.

Prediction: Michigan State 20, Alabama 17