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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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Nov 30, 2019; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Elijah Collins (24) runs the ball in front of Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Bryce Brand (27) during the second half a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2019; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Elijah Collins (24) runs the ball in front of Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Bryce Brand (27) during the second half a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Sometimes when a team wins a huge, emotional game that seems to have made their season, they can struggle the following week against a lesser opponent. I could see that being possible here with Michigan State traveling to face Purdue in West Lafayette.

Purdue has some solid pieces at quarterback and receiver, but I think the Spartans will exploit that defense and put up some big yardage on the road with another Heisman-like performance from Kenneth Walker III. Payton Thorne and those receivers will also play well and the Spartans escape a potential upset special in Week 10.

Final Score: Michigan State 31, Purdue 21 (9-0, 6-0)

Maryland will roll into East Lansing the following weekend and the Spartans will have a chance to reach the 10-win mark just 10 games into the regular season. No one in their right mind would have predicted this type of start, but that’s exactly where the Spartans will be sitting.

Michigan State will be 9-0 and ranked near the top-five with a potential playoff berth on the line. Will the Spartans be able to contain Taulia Tagovailoa and make the Terrapins pay for canceling two matchups a season ago? I think so.

The offense will have another explosive game in a chilly East Lansing environment while the defense actually steps up to surprise the Terps.

Final Score: Maryland 17, Michigan State 35 (10-0, 7-0)

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