Michigan State Football: Early Week 2 preview vs. Western Michigan

Michigan State football and Western Michigan had the same record in 2018, and expectations are high for both in 2019. What can we expect for this Week 2 matchup?

Michigan State has one of the best defenses heading into the 2019 campaign. However, it’s the Spartans’ offense that is in question, especially at the quarterback position. Western Michigan faces a similar question regarding their senior signal-caller Jon Wassink who has been injured in the previous two seasons.

Wassink threw for 16 touchdowns and six interceptions in eight games. Sophomore Kaleb Eleby took over and played well, but Wassink is the star for this team.

Also, senior running back LeVante Bellamy posted some impressive numbers in 2018 with 1,228 yards rushing at a 6.0 yards per carry.

The media has Western Michigan finishing second in the MAC West.

Western Michigan is a good MAC team and a key to an MSU victory is a fast start by the Spartans. If this Bronco team is allowed to linger around into the late third or fourth quarter then they have the offensive weapons to challenge Big Ten teams including MSU.

Will this happen? I doubt it.

This Spartan team is too talented for this to be a trap game. Arizona State will be coming to East Lansing in Week 3 and MSU will be looking for revenge from last year’s loss.

Western Michigan’s Wassink is the key for a Broncos’ win while for MSU it will be can the Spartans score?

I’m looking for quarterback Brian Lewerke to run more in this game and will make plays with his legs. The front-seven of Michigan State will get to Wassink early and often.

Prediction: Western Michigan 10, Michigan State 31