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

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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) /

A 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.

The 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.

In 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.

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Indiana’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.

Michigan 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.

Final Score: Michigan State 38, Indiana 17 (3-0, 1-0)

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