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

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) /

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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) /

On 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.

The 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.

The 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.

Utah 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.

Final Score: Utah State 17, Michigan State 48 (1-0)

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