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

Michigan State football will travel to Maryland on Nov. 3 in what could be a trap game for the Spartans. How will they fare?

This is a way-too-early preview of the Michigan State versus Maryland game on Nov. 3. Many things could change between July and November with injuries, depth chart changes, and departures.

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After a surprising 2016 campaign the Terrapins had a dismal 2017 that had them finish at 4-8. The 2017 season began with a bang when Maryland knocked off then Texas in Austin. Its offense was dynamic — however, starting quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome went down with an ACL injury. Then, in the third game of the year, replacement starting quarterback Kasim Hill went down with an injury. Max Bortenschlegar then took over.

It’s difficult to know who will be the starting quarterback in November for Maryland. Pigrome and Hill looked good last year, but it will depend on how they return from their injuries. If either one can make it back to a similar level then they would give this Spartan defense fits all day. Pigrome is shifty and can easily make good tacklers poor ones. Hill can scramble and make plays with his legs as well.

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Prediction: Michigan State 34, Maryland 28. The Spartans are going to have one eye on the Ohio State game. While players will say they take it one game at a time, they are, after all, young adults. The Spartans got embarrassed by the Buckeyes and will have this game already circled. The Maryland game will be close, but MSU’s offensive line is better and they will control this game with the power running of LJ Scott.