Michigan State Football: Final score predictions vs. Western Kentucky

It only two Michigan State football four weeks to double its win total from 2020 as Mel Tucker has done a fantastic job with the Spartans in his second year.

But in order to record a fifth win and sit just one victory away from a bowl berth, the Spartans must take down one of the nation’s top passing teams. Bailey Zappe leads Western Kentucky into an interesting Week 5 battle in East Lansing and if the Spartans are going to earn more national respect, they’ll need a win over the 1-2 Hilltoppers.

It’s not going to be easy, but Michigan State should win this game.

What do our Spartan Avenue writers think about this battle?

Connor Muldowney: This matchup should scare the heck out of you if you’re a Michigan State fan. Western Kentucky has one of the best passing offenses in the country and the Spartans haven’t been all that great against the pass. It’s a recipe for disaster. On the flip side, though, Michigan State will take advantage of a mediocre Hilltopper defense and I think Kenneth Walker III has another monster game, potentially approaching 200 yards. The defense will get a big turnover late to truly shut the door on the Hilltoppers.

Final Score: Western Kentucky 30, Michigan State 38

Carter Landis: Fans should not be overlooking WKU at all. Bailey Zappe is the real deal for the Hilltoppers, having thrown 13 touchdowns in three games. Their passing attack is one of the best in the nation and MSU struggles to defend the ball through the air. WKU’s defense is not good, however, so MSU should out-score them.

Final Score: Western Kentucky 37, Michigan State 40

Conner Linsner: Michigan State played a mediocre second half last week against Nebraska. The offense failed to convert one first down. Given Western Kentucky has one of the top passing offenses in the nation, Payton Thorne and Co. will need to be ready. This game will be a slugfest with constant blows. The Spartans’ defensive line wins the trenches and secures the win for MSU.

Final Score; Western Kentucky 31, Michigan State 42

Stephen Robb: Western Kentucky is a few scores from being 3-0. WKU flipped their roster more than MSU in the offseason. Senior quarterback Bailey Zappe came over from Houston Baptist along with standout wideouts Jereth Sterns and Mitchell Tinsley. Their chemistry is a lightning rod for the Hilltoppers’ offense. To win, MSU must pound the rock and control the clock. Expect Kenneth Walker III to have a big day.

Final Score: Western Kentucky 30, Michigan State 35

Jack Williams: Kenneth Walker should be able to run all over Western Kentucky’s poor rushing defense. That said, WKU won’t roll over. This game will probably feel similar to the Miami game, where Michigan State wins a high-scoring contest.

Final Score: Western Kentucky 27, Michigan State 41