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) /

5 of 13

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) /

Passing 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.

Still, 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.

Offensively, 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.

This 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.

Expect this one to be over by halftime.

Final Score: Central Michigan 10, Michigan State 41 (4-0)

Home/Spartans Football