Michigan State Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2018

[fs_video id="5706240372001" source="fansided"]rn With the 2018 season just weeks away, what should we expect from Michigan State football? A look at the complete game-by-game predictions. rnCan you name a Michigan State team that garnered higher expectations than this one in the Mark Dantonio era? The Spartans are coming off a 10-3 season and are returning 19 starters so an 11 or 12-win regular season isn’t out of the realm of possibility.rnrnDantonio will need to see an uptick in offensive production from a unit that brings back 10 starters, including star quarterback Brian Lewerke, running back LJ Scott and a strong trio of receivers in Darrell Stewart Jr., Felton Davis III and Cody White. Plus, the depth at receiver and on the offensive line will carry this team to an elite level.rnrnDefensively, the Spartans bring back nine starters, including All-Big Ten middle linebacker Joe Bachie as well as one of the best defensive backfields in America, led by Khari Willis, David Dowell, Justin Layne and, when healthy, Josiah Scott. The defensive line is the only question mark on this side of the ball.rnrnWith that in mind, how well will Michigan State fare in 2018? Take a look at our complete game-by-game predictions.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Utah%20State" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_60328" align="aligncenter" width="3200"] TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 29: Quarterback Jordan Love #10 of the Utah State Aggies throws a pass during the first half of the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Arizona Stadium on December , 29017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn[mockdraft order="1" firstname="Utah State" lastname="Aggies" position="Aug. 30" team="East Lansing, Mich." league="ncaa" teamlogo="utahstate" /]rnrnOn paper, this may look like a breeze of a game for Michigan State, but Utah State is coming off a 6-7 season with a bowl appearance and it brings back 16 total starters.rnrnThe Aggies could be Mountain West contenders this season and the offense will be a strength, led by sophomore quarterback Jordan Love. He finished his freshman season with 1,631 yards and eight touchdowns, but he is prone to throwing interceptions and he’ll toss two to the Spartans.rnrnThe Aggies could be in trouble in the run game, facing Michigan State’s stingy front-seven. The lead returning rushing had just 284 yards last season and he’s not even projected to start. Expect the Spartans to swallow up the Aggies on the ground and hold them to under 50 yards rushing.rnrnUtah State allowed about 400 yards of total offense last year, and that’s music to Michigan State’s ears. It gave up at least 45 points to both Power Five teams it faced, and Michigan State will follow that lead.rnrn Final Score: Utah State 17, Michigan State 48 (1-0) rnrn[nextslide teaser="Arizona%20State" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_60609" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils drops back to pass during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on Novemebr10, 2016 in against the Utah Utes Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn[mockdraft order="2" firstname="Arizona State" lastname="Sun Devils" position="Sept. 8" team="Tempe, Ariz." league="ncaa" teamlogo="arizonastate" /]rnrnThe Herm Edwards era has officially begun in Tempe, but there are plenty of skeptics surrounding the Arizona State program — and for good reason. Edwards hasn’t coached in years and his knowledge of the college game is not ideal — he’s more of an NFL guy.rnrnStill, he accepted the Arizona State job and feels as if he’s the right choice to turn the Sun Devils around. rnrnFortunately, he already has one thing going for him. He has a quarterback who has plenty of starting experience and who passed for 3,270 yards and 20 touchdowns a season ago. Oh yeah, and he’s the team’s lead returning rusher. Manny Wilkins could give the Spartans’ secondary a solid test.rnrnPlaying the Sun Devils on the road at night brings out a serious case of ‘#Pac12AfterDark”. Can the Spartans overcome the road atmosphere in a Pac-12 stadium versus an upset-minded team?rnrnBrian Lewerke will have a field day against this defense, as will LJ Scott. The Sun Devils’ secondary ranked 121st in college football last season and the Spartans will torch them for 350 yards through the air and Scott will add another 100 on the ground.rnrnThis will be a nice confidence-boosting victory.rnrn Final Score: Michigan State 41, Arizona State 21 (2-0) rnrn[nextslide teaser="Indiana" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_56885" align="aligncenter" width="3123"] EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Wide receiver Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans carries the ball against defensive back Chase Dutra #30 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn[mockdraft order="3" firstname="Indiana" lastname="Hoosiers" position="Sept. 22" team="Bloomington, Ind." league="ncaa" teamlogo="indiana" /]rnrnA few years ago, this would have been considered a cakewalk for the Spartans, but Indiana gave Michigan State a scare last season at home and beat the green and white two seasons ago in Bloomington to knock them from the Top 25 for good.rnrnThe Hoosiers kick off Big Ten play for the Spartans and they’ll give MSU a tough time yet again despite losing a plethora of starters on each side of the ball.rnrnIn fact, Indiana will return just three starters to a defense that improved greatly in 2017, ranking 27th nationally in yards allowed per game, which could aid the Spartans’ attack. Much like the first two games of the season, the Spartans will put up around 40 points and finish with over 400 yards of total offense.rnrn[story_link_related select_cta="related_story" description="MSU%20Football%3A%2010%20storylines%20to%20follow%20in%202018" url="https://spartanavenue.com/2018/08/10/michigan-state-football-10-storylines-for-2018-season/" /]rnrnIndiana’s offense isn’t what it used to be, though. The Hoosiers were one of the most prolific offensive teams in the Big Ten under Kevin Wilson, but that’s changed under Tom Allen. The defensive mind will have some key positions to fill, including quarterback which looks to be Peyton Ramsey’s job to lose.rnrnMichigan State will keep this offense in check and the Spartans will shake off a sluggish start against the Hoosiers to score twice in the fourth quarter to seal the deal after being up by just a touchdown.rnrn Final Score: Michigan State 38, Indiana 17 (3-0, 1-0) rnrn[nextslide teaser="Central%20Michigan" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_60610" align="aligncenter" width="3200"] MOUNT PLEASANT, MI - SEPTEMBER 1: Tony Poljan # 1 of the Central Michigan Chippewas warms up prior to the start of the game against the Presbyterian Blue Hose at Kelly/Shorts Stadium on September 1, 2016 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn[mockdraft order="4" firstname="Central Michigan" lastname="Chippewas" position="Sept. 29" team="East Lansing, Mich." league="ncaa" teamlogo="centralmichigan" /]rnrnPassing defense was the strength of Central Michigan in 2017 and that could be the case yet again. Though last year’s No. 1 secondary in the MAC lost all but one starter, junior cornerback Sean Bunting is one of the best the league has to offer. He could give Brian Lewerke some trouble, locking down MSU’s receivers.rnrnStill, losing three starting cornerbacks could be an issue. The front-seven returns five of its starters, but this group ranked just 88th against the run nationally and contributed to the 49th-ranked total defense. LJ Scott will put up over 100 yards in this one to close out the month of September on a high note.rnrnOffensively, Central Michigan doesn’t exactly light up the scoreboard. The Chippewas were sixth in the MAC in scoring and 102nd in the country in rushing yards per game. Moreover, sophomore Tony Poljan is the projected starter at quarterback and he has just 21 career pass attempts.rnrnThis offense won’t be able to do much against this Spartan defense. Poljan will have a long day under center, tossing a couple of interceptions and the run game won’t be able to get off the ground.rnrnExpect this one to be over by halftime.rnrn Final Score: Central Michigan 10, Michigan State 41 (4-0) rnrn[nextslide teaser="Northwestern" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_58109" align="aligncenter" width="4026"] EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 28: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans rolls out to look for a receiver against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 28, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern defeated Michigan State 39-31 in triple overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn[mockdraft order="5" firstname="Northwestern" lastname="Wildcats" position="Oct. 6" team="East Lansing, Mich." league="ncaa" teamlogo="northwestern" /]rnrnIn college football, revenge plays a major role for just about every program. Since last season’s loss in Evanston, Michigan State has been waiting for a rematch with Northwestern. The Spartans will get it in East Lansing on Oct. 6, looking for their first win against the Wildcats in three meetings.rnrnClayton Thorson, if healthy, will be back to lead the offense but he may be taking things slower after his ACL injury. He torched the Spartans’ secondary in 2017, but the unit has grown and may just lock down the Wildcats’ aerial attack.rnrnMichigan State is hungry for revenge for the last two meetings and this one will be an intriguing matchup between (likely) ranked foes. rnrnNorthwestern will grab an early 14-3 lead, but Michigan State will storm back to take a 17-14 lead at the half thanks to a couple of touchdown tosses from Brian Lewerke to Cody White and Felton Davis III.rnrnIn the second half, the Northwestern secondary won’t be able to slow down Lewerke and Co. as the Spartans finish with a comfortable victory despite a late score by Thorson to Jeremy Larkin.rnrn Final Score: Northwestern 24, Michigan State 37 (5-0, 2-0) rnrn[nextslide teaser="Penn%20State" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_57132" align="aligncenter" width="4784"] EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans battles for yards past Manny Bowen #43 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 27-24. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn[mockdraft order="6" firstname="Penn State" lastname="Nittany Lions" position="Oct. 13" team="University Park, Penn." league="ncaa" teamlogo="pennstate" /]rnrnThere’s good news and bad news for this matchup in Happy Valley. The good news is that Saquon Barkley is gone. The bad news is that Trace McSorley is back and Barkley’s replacement, Miles Sanders, is a former five-star recruit, completely capable of replacing the All-American back.rnrnMoreover, the Penn State offense returns eight starters, including four on the offensive line and two solid receivers — the most intriguing being Juwan Johnson.rnrnDespite the loss of Barkley, McSorley will have no shortage of options in the passing game and Sanders should do just fine in the No. 1 running back role. Against this stingy run defense, though, expect Sanders to struggle a bit on the ground.rnrn[story_link_related select_cta="related_story" description="MSU%20Football%3A%205%20keys%20for%20making%20College%20Football%20Playoff" url="https://spartanavenue.com/2018/08/09/michigan-state-football-keys-college-football-playoff-2018/" /]rnrnThe Spartans may fare well against this defense for the second straight season, especially since Penn State’s will be one of the least experienced in the Big Ten, returning a whopping two starters.rnrnPenn State boasted the 14th-best run defense in the country last season and it could see a slight drop-off, and the same goes for the 47th-ranked pass defense. This could be another shootout, but the home-field advantage will be clutch for the Nittany Lions.rnrn Final Score: Michigan State 31, Penn State 34 (5-1, 2-1) rnrn[nextslide teaser="Michigan" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_56705" align="aligncenter" width="3000"] ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first quarter turn over by 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)[/caption]rnrn[mockdraft order="7" firstname="Michigan" lastname="Wolverines" position="Oct. 20" team="East Lansing, Mich." league="ncaa" teamlogo="michigan" /]rnrnCan you remember a matchup in this rivalry’s history that was more anticipated than the 2018 edition? The 2015 game was close, but this one could be off the charts in terms of intrigue. The Spartans have won eight out of 10 against the Wolverines and Mark Dantonio is 2-1 versus Jim Harbaugh. You can bet Michigan is sick of hearing that.rnrnThe Wolverines will come out firing with the top quarterback transfer in college football, Shea Patterson, leading the offense. They’ll finally have a viable quarterback under center, and that’s a scary thought. The offense line, though, could be a liability again.rnrnMichigan State will get after Patterson early and often with plenty of blitz packages, sending Patterson running for his life. This will lead to a couple of crucial mistakes.rnrnDefensively, both sides are stingy, to say the least. Michigan has one of the top-five defenses in college football and the Spartans have a top-10 unit. This could be another defensive battle like it was last season though both offenses have improved.rnrnThis will be a back-and-forth battle all game long, but Brian Lewerke will come up huge with a late touchdown pass to put the Wolverines away.rnrnAnother instant classic.rnrn Final Score: Michigan 17, Michigan State 24 (6-1, 3-1) rnrn[nextslide teaser="Purdue" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_58110" align="aligncenter" width="4464"] EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 3: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs the ball in the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Spartan Stadium on October 3, 2015 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn[mockdraft order="8" firstname="Purdue" lastname="Boilermakers" position="Oct. 27" team="East Lansing, Mich." league="ncaa" teamlogo="purdue" /]rnrnNo longer is Purdue a pushover in the Big Ten. No, the Boilermakers aren’t just a basketball school anymore thanks to Jeff Brohm. rnrnThey finished 7-6 overall a season ago with a Foster Farms Bowl win over Arizona and they could be one of the dark-horse contenders in the Big Ten West. The Boilermakers return eight starters on offense, including senior quarterback David Blough and junior Elijah Sindelar. Both are capable of starting, so there will be quite the quarterback controversy this fall.rnrnOn the ground, senior Markell Jones rushed for 566 yards and a touchdown last season and is the presumed No. 1 back. He won’t have much fun against this MSU run defense.rnrnBrian Lewerke is going to have another big game against a secondary that ranked 94th in the country against the pass last season. The Boilermakers return both starting safeties, but have new cornerbacks in place.rnrnThe run defense ranked 29th in the country in 2017, but the Boilermakers return just two starters to the front-seven. So have yourself a day, LJ Scott.rnrn Final Score: Purdue 20, Michigan State 31 (7-1, 4-1) rnrn[nextslide teaser="Maryland" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_57345" align="aligncenter" width="3753"] EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans throws a first half pas next to Antoine Brooks Jr. #25 of the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium on November 18, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn[mockdraft order="9" firstname="Maryland" lastname="Terrapins" position="Nov. 3" team="College Park, Md." league="ncaa" teamlogo="maryland" /]rnrnMaryland is going through a tough time right now, but the Terrapins aren’t going to just roll over and let the Spartans beat them like a drum. rnrnDJ Durkin may be on administrative leave, but offensive coordinator, and acting head coach, Matt Canada has potential in the position and could use this as a resume-builder. He’s a great offensive mind but he’ll hope for some good luck at quarterback.rnrn[story_link_related select_cta="related_story" description="5%20reasons%20Michigan%20State%20can%20win%202018%20Big%20Ten%20title" url="https://spartanavenue.com/2018/08/05/michigan-state-football-can-win-2018-big-ten-title/" /]rnrnLast year, Maryland shuffled through quarterbacks due to season-ending injuries and Kasim Hill looks like the most talented of the group. If he can stay healthy, he could give the Spartans’ defense a tough time. Enough to pull off the upset? Probably not.rnrnOn the road, though, anything is possible in Big Ten play. The running back duo of Lorenzo Harrison and Ty Johnson will also keep the Spartans on their toes and this one will be much closer than people expect.rnrnMaryland’s defense won’t be able to slow the Michigan State offense which could very well be the best in the Mark Dantonio era.rnrn Final Score: Michigan State 42, Maryland 28 (8-1, 5-1) rnrn[nextslide teaser="Ohio%20State" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_57244" align="aligncenter" width="5355"] COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 11: Mike Weber #25 of the Ohio State Buckeyes leaves the Michigan State defense behind as he completes a 47-yard touchdown run in the first quarter at Ohio Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn[mockdraft order="10" firstname="Ohio State" lastname="Buckeyes" position="Nov. 10" team="East Lansing, Mich." league="ncaa" teamlogo="ohiostate" /]rnrnThis has to be the game circled on every Spartan player and coach’s calendar. Ohio State took it to Michigan State last season in Columbus, embarrassing the Spartans 48-3. rnrnIf you think the Spartans are over that 45-point loss, you clearly don’t know anything about Mark Dantonio-coached teams. He will motivate his guys to get back at the Buckeyes and ensure that something like what happened in 2017 never takes place again.rnrnBrian Lewerke will rebound from last year’s forgettable showing by throwing for 230 yards and two big scores, but LJ Scott will struggle on the ground much like he did last season. The offensive line will have a tough time opening holes for the senior running back all day long and that’ll add some pressure to Lewerke.rnrnOn the defensive side, the Spartans will hold Mike Weber and JK Dobbins in check with their strong run defense, but the secondary could struggle against the Buckeyes’ elite receivers and Dwayne Haskins.rnrnThis will be another classic game between the two newer rivals so don’t be surprised if this comes down to a field goal.rnrn Final Score: Ohio State 27, Michigan State 24 (8-2, 5-2) rnrn[nextslide teaser="Nebraska" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_57662" align="aligncenter" width="3396"] LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 7: Michigan State Spartans' coach Mark Dantonio watches the Nebraska Cornhuskers score during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn[mockdraft order="11" firstname="Nebraska" lastname="Cornhuskers" position="Nov. 17" team="Lincoln, Neb." league="ncaa" teamlogo="nebraska" /]rnrnThink of one game on the schedule that may not be against the toughest team in the conference but that may scare the heck out of fans. That has to be the Nov. 17 road game against Nebraska.rnrnThe Cornhuskers always seem to show up against Michigan State and the last time these two met in Lincoln was back in 2015 and the Huskers got the better of the Spartans thanks to a controversial no-call late in the game which resulted in the game-winning score for Nebraska.rnrnNebraska has a new head coach at the helm and Scott Frost is ready to lead the program back to relevance. He’s a much more effective head coach than Mike Riley was and that’s good news for the Cornhuskers.rnrnFortunately for the Spartans, Nebraska will be starting a new quarterback and it’ll likely be either redshirt freshman Tristan Gebbia or true freshman Adrian Martinez. The Spartans’ front-seven should put some pressure on him and the secondary will gobble up a couple turnovers.rnrnThe Huskers’ run game will also fail to take off against the Spartans while LJ Scott will rush for over 100 against the lackluster run defense of Nebraska and Brian Lewerke will pass for over 300 yards.rnrnThe key will be not letting the hostile environment get the best of the Spartans — and holding the talented receivers of Nebraska in check.rnrn Final Score: Michigan State 35, Nebraska 24 (9-2, 6-2) rnrn[nextslide teaser="Rutgers" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_60611" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans tries to get by Elorm Lumor #7 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during their game on November 25, 2017 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn[mockdraft order="12" firstname="Rutgers" lastname="Scarlet Knights" position="Nov. 24" team="East Lansing, Mich." league="ncaa" teamlogo="rutgers" /]rnrnThe Scarlet Knights have long been the Big Ten’s bottom-dweller and by that I mean ever since they joined the conference. This year will be no different, although Illinois could give them a run for their money.rnrn Must Read: MSU football: 5 position battles to watch this fall rnrnMichigan State will have no problem with this contest, much like the rest of the matchups with Rutgers, minus 2015, since it’s joined the Big Ten. The Spartans will have a fighter’s shot to make the Big Ten title game, especially if the Buckeyes already have one loss heading into the rivalry game against Michigan, so this game will be even more important.rnrnThe Spartans must not take the Scarlet Knights lightly, because that’s how upsets happen. Fortunately, Mark Dantonio isn’t a coach who overlooked opponents an he’ll ensure his guys are ready to finish the season on a high note.rnrnBrian Lewerke will only need to play three quarters as he’ll give way to the future (Rocky Lombardi) in the fourth quarter and guys like Weston Bridges, La’Darius Jefferson and Connor Heyward will get plenty of snaps at running back.rnrnThis will be a good trial run for the young Spartans who still have redshirt eligibility — true freshmen can play up to four games and still utilize the redshirt.rnrn[story_link_next description="MSU%20Football%3A%20Top%2050%20players%20in%20program%20history" url="https://spartanavenue.com/2015/12/28/michigan-state-football-top-50-players-of-all-time/" /]rnrnA nice, big win for the green and white to close out the year with another 10-win campaign.rnrn Final Score: Rutgers 6, Michigan State 42 (10-2, 7-2)

Spartan Avenue

Michigan State Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2018

With the 2018 season just weeks away, what should we expect from Michigan State football? A look at the complete game-by-game predictions.

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