Michigan State Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

By Adam Zdroik | Aug 14, 2017

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 17: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans reacts on the sidelines during the second quarter of the college football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Spartans defeated the Wolverines 27-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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PISCATAWAY, NJ – OCTOBER 10: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans carries the ball in the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on October 10, 2015 at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 31-24. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Rutgers won’t be as bad as it was a year ago and it’s too soon to call this a free win before the season even begins. The Scarlet Knights return plenty of starters and bring in an experienced quarterback from Louisville in Kyle Bolin.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 reasons Spartans will turn things around in 2017

And while the Spartans dominated this game en route to a 49-0 win last year, Rutgers at least was competitive in home games last season. The Scarlet Knights almost upset both Iowa and Indiana and lost by two at Minnesota. With Jerry Kill as offensive coordinator, that should help even more.

Of course, they’re still projected to finish last in the Big Ten so I’m not going to go that far with a team that doesn’t know how to win just yet. With a bowl game possibly on the line, Brian Lewerke will come through to win his first road game of the season.

Score Prediction: Rutgers 28, Michigan State 31 (7-5, 4-5 Big Ten)

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