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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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SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Luke Falk #4 of the Washington State Cougars looks downfield to pass against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Luke Falk #4 of the Washington State Cougars looks downfield to pass against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

4. Luke Falk will give MSU secondary fits

Despite losing his top two receivers, Luke Falk is going to give Michigan State fits. Although the Spartans’ secondary is much improved from a year ago, they have struggled against spread quarterbacks. I don’t think Falk is going to throw for 350-plus yards, but he might break that 300 mark.

Falk finished the season with 3,500-plus yards and 30 touchdowns and if you can believe it, this was the senior’s worst season since his true freshman campaign. He had topped 4,000 yards in each of the past two seasons and needs 407 yards to reach that again, but it won’t happen on Thursday.

The senior gunslinger isn’t going to burn the Spartans deep, but he will do what the only quarterbacks who have had success against this improved secondary have done: dink and dunk the Spartans down the field. He will throw short routes and keep the Michigan State defense on the field with long drives.

Falk will end the game with 295 yards and two touchdowns, throwing an interception in the process. He will be attempting to escape heavy pressure all day, which will lead to increased short routes. He will complete 31-of-45 passes.

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