Michigan State Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Youngstown State

Michigan State football opened the season by opening some eyes, beating down Northwestern 38-21 en route to the first Big Ten win of 2021. This also marked the second Mel Tucker win over the Wildcats in as many meetings.

Now the Spartans host Youngstown State in Week 2 and it’s the perfect opportunity for Tucker and Co. to build on that momentum gained from Week 1, heading into a Miami battle next week.

Will Michigan State be able to dominate the Penguins in the home opener in front of a fired-up Spartan Stadium crowd?

Let’s get bold ahead of Saturday’s game.

3. Defense forces three turnovers

There wasn’t a single forced turnover by Michigan State’s defense last Friday night and the Spartans are currently trailing in the season-long turnover battle, 1-0.

The questionable hit (should have been targeting) that led to Harold Joiner’s fumble in the fourth quarter was the only turnover of the game, and you know Mel Tucker wasn’t happy with that. The Spartans need to force more turnovers if they’re going to contend in the Big Ten East this season or even hang with the likes of Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan.

Youngstown State doesn’t have the best quarterback and he didn’t throw the ball much in the opener so if the Spartan front gets him uncomfortable in the pocket, he’s going to throw some balls into coverage, leading to a couple of interceptions.

Michigan State will add another forced turnover in the second half on a forced fumble which will lead to a touchdown, essentially putting the game away.