Michigan State Football: Preview, prediction vs. Washington State in Holiday Bowl
Michigan State football will close the book on its 2017 season with a Holiday Bowl battle against Washington State.
Michigan State was just a couple of days away from facing Mike Leach back in 2010 when the Spartans earned a trip to the Alamo Bowl to face off against his Texas Tech squad. The Spartans had suffered plenty of losses thanks to a dorm room brawl which saw 14 players suspended.
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On the other hand, Leach was suspended indefinitely by Texas Tech due to some off-field controversy as well, which foiled a matchup Mark Dantonio. The Red Raiders were then led by defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill — also, Lincoln Riley was the offensive coordinator. Texas Tech beat the Spartans 41-31.
While this isn’t exactly a revenge game for Dantonio since he never officially faced Leach, but rather the team he assembled, you can bet the Spartans’ coach is hungry to pay him back for the loss.
Michigan State enters the game with a 9-3 record — completely reversed from last season — while Washington State is also 9-3, but fell off a bit near the end of the year. A blowout loss to in-state rival Washington, 41-14, in the Apple Cup could have an effect on this team’s confidence heading into the Holiday Bowl.
Here’s how to watch the 2017 Holiday Bowl between Michigan State and Washington State:
Date: Thursday, Dec. 28
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Location: San Diego, Calif.
Venue: SDCCU Stadium
TV: FOX Sports 1
Live Stream: FOX Sports Go
Keys to Victory
On the offensive side of the ball, Washington State has been known to rattle opposing quarterbacks — just ask USC’s Sam Darnold. As long as Brian Lewerke can keep a level head and not commit any poor turnovers, the Spartans will be in good shape. Michigan State won’t need him to pass for 300-plus yards, but just protecting the ball against Alex Gricnh’s aggressive defense and even using his legs will be important.
Defensively, holding Luke Falk in check is priority No. 1. The all-time great Washington State quarterback can shred opposing defenses, but he has also been known to crumble under pressure and force some poor throws. If the Spartans can win the turnover battle, chances are they will come away with a nice bowl victory and win No. 10 on the season.
Betting Odds
Line: Michigan State +1
Over/Under: 46.5
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Prediction
While Washington State isn’t exactly a pushover on either side of the ball, they haven’t faced many teams like Michigan State. The Spartans have a balanced team with a strong defense and a growingly-efficient offense. Lewerke will have a solid game, accounting for three scores and LJ Scott will finally break out of his cold streak with a 130-yard performance. Michigan State’s defense will show up to play as well, especially with Washington State’s top two receivers out for this one.
Final Score: Michigan State 34, Washington State 24