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Michigan State Football: Way-too-early 2018 preview vs. Central Michigan

By Stephen Robb

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down during the second quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down during the second quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Central Michigan has given Michigan State football a few scares over the years and the 2018 contest could be no different.

This is a way-too-early preview of the Central Michigan versus Michigan State game. Things may change with August practices and depth charts. While the series has been dominated by the Spartans, the Chippewas have gotten some upsets. This is a classic trap, because after last season’s Northwestern game, the Spartans will be looking for revenge and could overlook CMU.

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Central Michigan will be starting a new quarterback in Tony Poljan. He held offers from several Big Ten programs, including Michigan State, Nebraska and Minnesota. He is big at 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds and he’s not afraid to throw a block — he did so during the Chips’ spring game. Poljan is also the reason why the Chippewas have a great chance to pull off an upset in East Lansing.

The Chippewas go as their quarterback does. Connor Rush played great in 2015 against MSU and gave them a scare. Even though the final score was 30-10, the Chips hung in there until the fourth quarter before MSU pulled away. Poljan can hurt the Spartans and presents a major challenge.

Prediction: The Spartans will have had three games under their belts and should take CMU seriously. There is great chemistry on this Spartan squad as well as too much talent. But Central will fight hard to make it a game. It’ll be close at halftime before MSU pulls away on the legs of LJ Scott. Michigan State wins 42-24 (halftime: MSU 14, CMU 10).

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This Chippewas team is one of those teams that the Spartans must come out right away and establish themselves in the trenches. If the MSU defense can contain Poljan and the rush can get to him then the Spartans will be in great position. The Spartan secondary will blanket the CMU receivers and I believe Tony will make many plays with his feet but he won’t be enough.

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