Michigan State Football: 5 reasons Spartans will beat Northwestern in Week 9

Michigan State Football: 5 reasons the Spartans will beat Northwestern in Week 9

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans hands off the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spartans defeated the Gophers 30-27. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 21: Quarterback Peyton Ramsey #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers is tackled by linebackers Joe Bachie #35 and Chris Frey #23 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

2. Michigan State wins the turnover battle

For yet another week, Michigan State will come out of a game on top in the turnover battle. The Spartans have been much more opportunistic in recent games against the likes of Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota, leading to an undefeated start in conference play.

Let’s rewind to what happened in the Notre Dame game. The Spartans came out fired up, but the Fighting Irish drove down the field on the first possession with ease for a quick touchdown. Michigan State got the ball back and looked to tie it up, but Brian Lewerke threw a pick-six and deflated the crowd.

The Spartans eventually scored, but Notre Dame answered to take a 21-7 lead thanks to a Lewerke fumble on a scramble. Later in the first half, LJ Scott found a hole in the Notre Dame defense and looked to score a touchdown, but the ball was stripped as he crossed the goal line and the Fighting Irish avoided the score and got the ball back.

Michigan State knows just how important hanging on to the ball is and the Spartans will do just that against the Wildcats. Another turnover-free game for the green and white.

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