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

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans passes the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 29: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a short gain as Jourdan Lewis #26 of the Michigan Wolverines makes the stop during the fourth quarter of the game at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan defeated Michigan State 32-23. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

2. Michigan State out-rushes Michigan

This might not seem like that bold of a prediction, on paper, but the Spartans have struggled mightily on the ground in recent weeks. In fact, Michigan State wasn’t able to get anything going against Notre Dame and Iowa, which led to Brian Lewerke doing most of the work — and even leading the team in rushing.

On the year, Lewerke leads the Spartans with 248 yards on the ground, but that will change on Saturday as Michigan State fares slightly better than usual.

Michigan State averages 187 yards per game on the ground this season while Michigan is right around 184. The Spartans aren’t expected to get anything to go in the run game against the vaunted Michigan front-seven, but LJ Scott and Co. will pick up nearly 200 yards on the ground while Michigan will be closer to 150-175.

It may not be an overwhelming victory in rushing yards, but out-rushing a team that features guys like Chris Evans and Ty Isaac would be a major win. I’ll be close, but Michigan State will find a way to get the edge — even if it means more options, stretches, pitches and reverses.

Home/Spartans Football