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

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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 17: Running back Gerald Holmes #24 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes the football past linebacker Royce Jenkins-Stone #52 of the Michigan Wolverines during the college football game at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Spartans defeated the Wolverines 27-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Ideally, both teams will enter this game undefeated, but it’s a long way off in October. The Wolverines return just five total starters, although their recruiting still has them with decent odds to win the College Football Playoff with Wilton Speight the expected starter at quarterback.

Similar to last year’s meeting, the talent on Michigan may be a bit too much to overcome for the Spartans, especially playing in Ann Arbor. Things may be different in East Lansing, but expecting to win in the Big House would be a stretch for this MSU team.

Both sides of the ball aren’t guaranteed for success, but the Wolverines have plenty of pieces from Speight to running backs Chris Evans and Karan Higdon. Yet even with Speight’s experience, a young receiving corps could hurt his development, as well.

With only one returning starter on the defensive side, this will be the side of the ball that Michigan State needs to win. No matter the year, Mark Dantonio’s teams have always have been able to run on Michigan and if that’s the case here, this game should be closer than people think.

The spread is over two touchdowns, but that would require the Wolverines to really dominate even though they might have more questions on the offensive side than MSU. Unless Michigan holds down the Michigan State offense to single digits, this will be closer than projected.

Score Prediction: Michigan 26, Michigan State 20 (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten)

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