Michigan State Football: 5 reasons the Spartans can beat Michigan

Michigan State football opened as a big underdog against Michigan, but there are plenty of reasons why the Spartans have a chance to upset the home team at the Big House.

On a national level, just like last year’s meeting, this isn’t expected to be a great game. The Wolverines are No. 7 in the AP Top 25 and the Spartans come in unranked. While Michigan is undefeated and has won all four of its games by at least 16 points, Michigan State lost its only game to a ranked opponent by 20 points two weeks ago against Notre Dame.

From the outside, that’s what it looks like. But from the inside, Michigan State could pull off the upset. Here’s why.

5. Last year’s result

It was only a year ago that the spread between these teams was more than 20 points (24.5 in some places) and it was a fairly even game. Even though Michigan was running over opponents and MSU was getting destroyed by everyone, there was little to separate these teams when they played.

The Wolverines only won the yardage battle 436-401 and the Spartans even had more success rushing the ball. LJ Scott went for 139 yards on 6.3 yards per carry, while Michigan ran for 4.6 yards per carry and that was juiced up because of Eddie McDoom’s end-arounds (two carries for 53 yards).

Throw in the difference Brian Lewerke made when he entered in the fourth quarter and things could’ve turned out better for the Spartans. Tyler O’Connor started and did little, while Damion Terry even played before Lewerke and did nothing.

These teams were on a different level a year ago and it ended fairly close, but the difference between them in 2017 has yet to be determined.