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Michigan State Football: 5 bold predictions vs. Washington State in Holiday Bowl

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first half touchdown while playing the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium on November 18, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first half touchdown while playing the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium on November 18, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State football is looking for its 10th win of 2017 against Washington State. Here are five bold predictions for the Holiday Bowl.

What a season it’s been for Michigan State. Just a season ago, the Spartans were sitting at home, contemplating what to do after a 3-9 campaign which happened to be the worst for the program in recent memory. Was Mark Dantonio regressing as a coach? That was a serious question around the fan base and media.

Well, 2017 proved that he is still one of the best in the business. He led the Spartans to a 9-3 record in the regular season and they were in the Big Ten East race until a blowout via Ohio State in Columbus ended those hopes.

Michigan State exceeded expectations and earned a Holiday Bowl bid against No. 18 Washington State which could give the Spartans their 10th win of the year. It’s not going to be a simple task, though, as Mike Leach’s Cougars gave some of the best Pac-12 teams fits.

Here are five bold predictions for Thursday’s Holiday Bowl versus Washington State.

5. Spartans record five sacks

Washington State’s offensive line has been struggling all season long. Don’t believe me? Just look at the sack numbers allowed. The Cougars have allowed 44 total sacks this season which is good for fifth-most in college football. Moreover, Luke Falk has been sacked 39 times which is the most during his career and 10 more than a season ago.

That will make Michigan State’s defensive line hungry to add to that total. If the Pac-12 defenses can get after Falk, why not the Spartans?

Michigan State’s defensive line has been a pleasant surprise, but the consistency hasn’t quite been there. Expect big games from Kenny Willekes, Mike and Jacub Panasiuk, Naquan Jones, Demetrius Cooper and Raequan Williams on Thursday night.

The Spartans will finish with five sacks and cap off an impressive comeback season, defense-wise.

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