Michigan State Football: Staff score predictions vs. Youngstown State

In case you’ve been living under a rock, there’s a big game to keep an eye on this Saturday as Michigan State football plays at home in front of fans for the first time in two years.

The Spartans will host Youngstown State to open the home slate of 2021 and the Penguins are fresh off an overtime win over a fellow FCS school so Michigan State has to feel good going into the game, especially after it beat down Northwestern last Friday.

What does the Spartan Avenue staff see happening on Saturday afternoon?

Connor Muldowney: Confidence has to be oozing from Michigan State’s pores after a season-opening Big Ten road win over Northwestern, but the Spartans need to come back down to earth and not overlook Jaleel McLaughlin and Youngstown State. The Penguins will try to run all over the Spartans, but they’ll hold the potent ground attack to just over 100 yards and Kenneth Walker III will rush for over 100 yet again. This will be Payton Thorne’s time to shine, though, as he’ll throw a few touchdown passes.

Final Score: Youngstown State 13, Michigan State 38

Carter Landis: This should be a routine blowout of an FCS school, so MSU should take care of business. Hopefully Kenneth Walker doesn’t have to play in the second half at all, and we get to see some of the depth on this team.

Final Score: Youngstown State 7, Michigan State 49

Jack Williams: With Mel Tucker around, MSU shouldn’t have to worry about playing it close against worse teams anymore. We’ll get a better look at Payton Thorne, who was quiet during game one of Kenneth Walker III’s Heisman campaign.

Final Score: Youngstown State 13, Michigan State 45

Conner Linsner: Michigan State goes into Saturday with a big conference win. Youngstown State is very run-heavy and will try to win up front. With the way Michigan State stopped the run game last week, I don’t see the Penguins executing it too well.

Final Score: Youngstown State 6, Michigan State 31