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Michigan State Football: Game-by-game predictions for second half of 2021

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 02: Payton Thorne #10 of the Michigan State Spartans throws a pass while warming up before the first quarter of the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Spartan Stadium on October 02, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 02: Payton Thorne #10 of the Michigan State Spartans throws a pass while warming up before the first quarter of the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Spartan Stadium on October 02, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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Oct 31, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jalen Nailor (8) tries to make a diving catch in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jalen Nailor (8) tries to make a diving catch in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana is going to be a tougher matchup for Michigan State than people realize. Michael Penix Jr. may be out for the game, but his backup, Jack Tuttle, is a former four-star who could actually end up being the better passer. He’s going to give this defense some problems.

Kenneth Walker III is going to have a really good game while Payton Thorne may not be as effective as he usually is against that solid Hoosier pass defense.

The Spartans escape Bloomington with a big win to improve to 7-0.

Final Score: Michigan State 28, Indiana 24 (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten)

This game is circled on everyone’s schedules and some fans may be guilty of looking ahead just a little too much. The Wolverines will likely be 7-0 heading into this one and Michigan State should be the same. If both are 7-0 and ranked in the top 10, East Lansing will be absolutely buzzing on Oct. 30.

Michigan fans can play this game down as much as they’d like, but that doesn’t change the fact that the Spartans scare them.

Michigan State hasn’t beaten Michigan at home since 2014 when the Spartans won 35-11 in the “stake” game. I think Tucker and Co. change that and pick up a win in one of the most intense battles this rivalry has seen thanks to the arm of Thorne.

Final Score: Michigan 20, Michigan State 27 (8-0, 5-0)

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