Michigan State Football: Way-too-early Northwestern preview

Many experts have Michigan state football finishing 5-7 or 6-6 this season. I think a 6-6 season would be a success given all the transitions. However, when I examined the schedule, I believe there are a few games that could swing the Spartans’ way, making their ceiling much higher.

I get it, they don’t know who will be the quarterback or how all the transfers will perform. Nevertheless, this team appears to be more competitive than in years past.

Northwestern is in a similar boat to MSU. The Wildcats lost the heart and soul of their defense in Paddy Fisher who seemingly played 10 years there and was in on every tackle. They also lost cornerback Greg Newsome to the first round of the NFL draft and grad transfer quarterback Peyton Ramsey.

They are a team with many question marks.

The two quarterbacks battling for the starting job are Hunter Johnson and Ryan Hilinski from South Carolina. Hilinski is the brother of former Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski who MSU played in the 2017 Holiday Bowl. Ryan played as a true freshman for South Carolina and had 11 touchdown passes and five picks while throwing for over 2,000 yards in five games.

If I had to guess, I would give the nod to Hilinski. He reminds me of Ramsey with more arm talent.

I have gone back and forth on this game, however, I do believe the Spartans will win it. No, we do not know who will be the starting quarterback. Either quarterback could win the job. I like both Payton Thorne and Anthony Russo and the MSU fanbase will travel well to Evanston.

This is a swing game. Both teams have lost key players on offense and defense. I think MSU’s 4-2-5 defensive scheme gave the Wildcats fits last season. New transfer Kenneth Walker III has been a revelation and the newly revamped offensive line looks to be one of their better ones in recent years.

The Spartans will pound green pound and go over the top with their speedy wideouts Jalen Nailor or hit the under with Jayden Reed.

If MSU can put something together, this is a winnable game.

Prediction: MSU 31, Northwestern 21