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Michigan State Football: 5 reasons Spartans will beat Maryland in Week 12

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Jacub Panasiuk #96 of the Michigan State Spartans is congratulated by his brother, defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk #72 of the Michigan State Spartans, after sacking quarterback Peyton Ramsey of the Indiana Hoosiers for a 4-yard loss during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Jacub Panasiuk #96 of the Michigan State Spartans is congratulated by his brother, defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk #72 of the Michigan State Spartans, after sacking quarterback Peyton Ramsey of the Indiana Hoosiers for a 4-yard loss during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State football will get a chance to get back on track against Maryland in Week 12. Here’s why the Spartans will win.

The revenge tour rolls on for Michigan State. The Spartans found themselves on the losing end of a 28-17 game in College Park last season against Maryland, but they are a much different team this year. In fact, the Spartans have more than doubled their win total from 2016.

The feeling around East Lansing is much different this season as well. Hosting Maryland on Senior Day has the feel of a potential blowout, but no game in the Big Ten is a given. Though Michigan State should have no problem taking care of the reeling Terrapins.

A blowout loss to Ohio State in Week 11 may have tarnished the confidence of this young team, or maybe it just made the Spartans angry.

Here’s why Michigan State will take down the Terrapins in Week 12.

5. Maryland’s quarterback luck

The Terrapins should be used to this by now. It seems like each season Maryland is losing quarterbacks left and right, and this season is no different.

DJ Durkin has already had to replace starter Tyrrell Pigrome, Kasim Hill and even Max Bortenschlager for a short while — the first two are done for the season. The latter will be back for Saturday’s game against the Spartans, but he may not be 100 percent.

This poor quarterback luck will be music to Michigan State’s ears as the defense has struggled over the past few weeks against the pass, but Bortenschlager is more likely to make things happen with his legs than his arm. That’s not to say he can’t sling the ball every so often, but he’s no Tracy McSorley, Clayton Thorson or JT Barrett.

Michigan State will get some pressure on Bortenschlager early and often and force him into some bad, uncomfortable throws. He will be picked off twice and won’t be able to showcase his dual-threat ability.

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