Michigan State Football: 5 bold predictions vs. Michigan in Week 6

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 23: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans warms up prior to the start of the game against Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Spartan Stadium on September 23, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

3. Michigan State wins the turnover battle

Brian Lewerke now has six career starts under his belt. John O’Korn started a plethora of games for Houston before transferring to Michigan, but the senior transfer is relatively new to the Michigan offense. He’s been in the system for over a year, but he was never looked at to truly carry the load.

Now that Wilton Speight is out, he will be relied upon heavily on the biggest stage of his career. He didn’t play in any games at Houston that resembled the Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry and that could end up hurting him when it matters most.

Just a few years ago, he was benched at Houston after he threw more interceptions (8) than he did touchdown passes (6). Greg Ward Jr. took over the offense and O’Korn decided it was time to look for a new home. His interception issue will carry over into Saturday’s game as Michigan State’s improved secondary will pick off two passes.

Lewerke, on the other hand, has harped on protecting the ball and will avoid any costly turnovers through the air, but I could see a strip sack coming his way. LJ Scott will protect the ball, much to Spartan fans’ delight, and O’Korn will also be strip-sacked.

In the end, Michigan State wins the turnover battle, 3-1.

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