Michigan State Football: Final score predictions vs. Pitt in Peach Bowl

Michigan State football plays its final game of the 2021 season on Thursday night down in Georgia against Pitt in the Peach Bowl. Who wins?

It’s finally game day, folks. After a month off, Michigan State football will take the field against No. 12 Pitt in the 2021 Peach Bowl down in Atlanta.

Michigan State (10-2) will face a Pitt (11-2) team that won the ACC this season and really took the nation by storm thanks to an electric offense led by Kenny Pickett. Fortunately for the Spartans, Pickett won’t be playing and the Panthers are also down an offensive coordinator, but this won’t be a walk in the park with Kenneth Walker also out.

Will Michigan State win the Peach Bowl? The Spartan Avenue staff weighs in.

Connor Muldowney: If Kenny Pickett was playing, I may give Pitt the nod just because Michigan State’s secondary has been atrocious this year, but without him, I’m going with the Spartans. Payton Thorne is going to have a career game against Pitt’s 105th-ranked passing defense and a trio of running backs will do their best to fill in for Kenneth Walker. Plus, having Jalen Nailor back has to be a nightmare scenario for the Panthers’ defense. Pat Narduzzi will be sent home by his former team with a double-digit loss.

Final Score: Pitt 27, Michigan State 41

Carter Landis: Without Kenny Pickett, Pitt doesn’t scare me. Michigan State comes prepared for every game they’re in, and the Peach Bowl will be no different. Payton Thorne will light up their defense for four touchdowns. Spartans get it done even without Kenneth Walker.

Final Score: Pitt 28, Michigan State 37

Jack Williams: Michigan State won’t be able to score as much as they have been without Kenneth Walker. Still, the team’s healthy receivers should be able to help Payton Thorne carry this offense. I do not trust Pitt to put up any points without Kenny Pickett. Spartans embarrass the Panthers.

Final Score: Pitt 13, Michigan State 28

Stephen Robb: No Kenny Pickett. No Kenneth Walker III. I’d like to write no problem. However, this game could be a shootout. Pittsburgh allows only 2.7 yards per carry so MSU will need to pass to open the running game. With Jalen Nailor back and Jayden Reed healthy, the passing game will be great. MSU must get to the quarterback for its defense to have a chance.

Final Score: Pitt 37, Michigan State 45