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Michigan State Football: Staff score predictions vs. Bowling Green

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 24: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs with the ball during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Spartan Stadium on September 24, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 24: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs with the ball during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Spartan Stadium on September 24, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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The Spartan Avenue staff does its best to predict the final score of Michigan State football’s opening game against Bowling Green.

Michigan State football opens its season on Saturday afternoon against Bowling Green, and excitement is in the air. The Spartans look to be one of the more under-the-radar teams in the conference, but it’s expected after a 3-9 campaign.

Must Read: MSU Football: 2017 game-by-game predictions

However, that’s just how Mark Dantonio likes it — the underrated aspect, not 3-9 seasons. Michigan State always seems to play better when no one expects anything from it. In fact, the Spartans have bounced back multiple times before after poor season. In 2009, they went 6-7 but the following season, the Spartans went 11-2.

Moreover, in 2012, the Spartans went 7-6 and followed it up with a Rose Bowl victory the next season. Can the same happen in 2017?

Our staff takes their first stab at final score predictions vs. Bowling Green to kick things off.

Connor Muldowney: It’s the first game of the year, so that usually means Michigan State underwhelms against inferior opponents. Last year it was Furman and this season it’s Bowling Green. I do think, however, this team will play much better than it did against the Paladins last season with a renewed sense of excitement. This team is hungry and ready to leave the past in the past. Brian Lewerke throws three touchdown passes, two to Trishton Jackson, and LJ Scott rushes for 150 yards.

Final: Bowling Green 17, Michigan State 38

Adam Zdroik: If Michigan State loses this game, it’s the last prediction I’ll be doing for the season. The Spartans should beat up Bowling Green’s weak offensive line and on the other side MSU will run for more than 200 yards against a defense that’s still bad after allowing close to 40 points per game in 2016.

Final: Bowling Green 17, Michigan State 45

Stephen Robb: Michigan State and Bowling Green are in similar situations. Both coming off losing seasons where injuries and discontent played a role in team chemistry. MSU has a new starting QB in Brian Lewerke and they will pass often to start the game and mix in the run.

Bowling Green does not have the athletes to compete, however, neither did Furman last season but they made it a game late. This Spartan team has something different about it. It most likely is the chip on the shoulder. I anticipate that Michigan State will pull away late.

Final: Bowling Green 13, Michigan State 31

Next: MSU Football: 10 bold predictions for 2017

Michael Briggs: I expect the Spartans to be fired up with a large group of youngsters excited to hit the field and the upperclassmen eager to put last season behind them. Offensively, the coaching staff will lean on MSU’s three-headed monster at tailback, with the hot hand receiving the lion’s share of the carries.

Quarterback Brian Lewerke will open it up more as the game progresses. Defensively, MSU will attack the inexperienced right side of the BGSU offensive line and pressure Falcons QB James Morgan (15 interceptions in 2016) into a couple bad decisions early. Bowling Green will get a few early shots in, but Michigan State will leave Spartan Stadium with a much-needed victory.

Final: Bowling Green 13, Michigan State 31

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