Michigan State Football: Updated game-by-game predictions for 2020

Usually this might seem like a bye week, but the Spartans are in a rebuilding year and Rutgers hired Greg Schiano as head coach so anything could happen here.

The Spartans are coming off three straight losses after a 2-1 start to the year and they’ll secure a big win here against a perennial bottom-dweller despite the bright future outlook for the Scarlet Knights. Luckily for the green and white, Rutgers is in an even worse position heading into 2020 with cupboards bare.

Final Score: Rutgers 13, Michigan State 28 (3-4)

After getting graced with a home matchup against Rutgers, the Spartans will travel to Iowa City to face the Hawkeyes in one of the most harsh road environments in the Big Ten.

Halloween night in Iowa City is usually a nightmare for visitors, but that will all change with limited — or no — fans in attendance.

Nate Stanley is gone but the top two rushers are back as well as basically every receiver who had a pulse last season, including Ihmir Smith-Marsette. The defense should be top-tier yet again despite losing six starters.

Not many teams go into Iowa City and steal a win from the Hawkeyes and the Spartans won’t either.

Final Score: Michigan State 17, Iowa 28 (3-5)