Michigan State Football: 5 bold predictions vs. Minnesota in Week 7

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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Joe Bachie #35 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with his team after intercepting the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

3. Spartans shut out Minnesota in second half

It seems like Michigan State struggles in the first defensive drive of each game, and I can see that happening against Minnesota. The Golden Gophers will throw out some different looks than what the Spartans are used to and score either a touchdown or kick a field goal to begin the game with a lead.

Michigan State will bounce back to take the lead by the end of the first quarter, but the Gophers will score two more times by halftime. It’ll be a surprise to the Spartans who weren’t expecting much offense from the Gophers, but the score will be 21-17 at the break.

The Spartan offense will look solid in the first half, but the defense will go into the locker room angry that they let the Gophers get three scores in the first 30 minutes. A fire will be lit under this unit in the second half and the defense will play like it did against Michigan.

The Spartans will pressure Conor Rhoda all half and make him throw some forced passes into coverage and turnovers are likely to follow. The Gophers may get on the board early, but Michigan State will shut them down completely in the second half.

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