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

By Adam Zdroik

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)
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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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 29: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first quarter touchdown while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 29: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first quarter touchdown while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Michigan State draws another MAC team, albeit one that’s slightly better. Still, Western Michigan is a much different team than the one that went 13-1 last season. The Broncos only return nine starters to go with new coach Tim Lester (former Purdue QBs coach) so another MAC title isn’t likely for them.

Tom Flacco was set to be the starting quarterback, but he ended up leaving the program when sophomore Jon Wassink won the job in the spring. Wassink was getting tons of praise, but the lack of options can’t be overlooked. The Broncos return just one starter on the line and while the core of running backs returns, this offense won’t be the same without Zach Terrell at quarterback.

The defense could end up being Western’s strong suit as six starters return, although only one of them is on the line. The Spartans should have a leg up in the trenches and that’s how they’ll win this game. Even if the MSU offense faces some resistance, the defense could beat up on a younger front for Western.

While Broncos running backs Jarvion Franklin and Jamauri Bogan are solid, that won’t matter against better run defenses like that of the Spartans. And without that run game, Western Michigan will have some trouble, unless Wassink truly is the real deal.

Score Prediction: Western Michigan 16, Michigan State 28 (2-0)

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