Michigan State Football: 3 bold predictions vs. No. 8 Northwestern

1. Game is decided by a touchdown or less

With Michigan State’s defense playing at a high level and Payton Thorne out-dueling Peyton Ramsey, it’s only logical to think that the Spartans will keep this one close, right?

This will be one of those low-scoring affairs that Northwestern has been known to play this season and with both defenses playing well, the first team to 20 probably wins. Northwestern will likely be that team because it actually has a pulse on the ground, but Michigan State will make the Wildcats work for this win.

Michigan State will get off to a quick start, stopping Northwestern on its first drive and then going back down the field in 10 plays to score and take a 7-0 lead. That will be the Spartans’ only lead of the game.

Northwestern will score the next 17 straight points, but Michigan State will add a touchdown in the fourth to make it 17-14 before a Northwestern field goal makes it 20-14.

Matt Coghlin will kick a field goal to pull the Spartans within three, but that’ll be the final score right there. A definite confidence-booster despite the loss here.