Michigan State Football: Way-too-early 2020 game-by-game predictions

A year ago, Michigan State actually played Ohio State tough in Columbus. The Spartans were off to a so-so start to the 2019 season and a matchup with the Buckeyes on the road started a gauntlet of games that turned into a losing streak. But it didn’t start off all that bad as the Spartans gave Ohio State all it could handle early on, but a big second quarter was the difference.

Don’t expect that competitive of a game this season, though.

Michigan State will be on a three-game losing streak heading into this one, desperate for a signature win in the Mel Tucker era, but the Buckeyes are just far too good.

The games between these two programs have been great in the past, but not this year.

Final Score: Ohio State 38, Michigan State 14 (2-5, 1-3)

This may be Michigan State’s first winnable game since the end of September and the Spartans usually play well against the Hoosiers — well enough to win, at least.

Tom Allen has found his quarterback of the future, however, and Michael Penix Jr. gave the green and white some issues in 2019. He’ll back back for another full season as the starting quarterback and you can bet he’ll be a pain in the Spartans’ sides once again.

Michigan State will be in a position to win this one near the end, but Penix Jr. will make too many plays down the stretch.

Final Score: Michigan State 21, Indiana 28 (2-6, 1-4)