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Michigan State Football: Ranking 2022 opponents by toughness

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State Spartans defensive end Dashaun Mallory (94) signals fourth down after a stop against the Maryland Terrapins during second half action Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 at Spartan Stadium.Msu defense happy
Michigan State Spartans defensive end Dashaun Mallory (94) signals fourth down after a stop against the Maryland Terrapins during second half action Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 at Spartan Stadium.Msu defense happy /
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Oct 16, 2021; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) attempts to keep the ball away from Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Bryant Fitzgerald (31) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Spartans win 20-15. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) attempts to keep the ball away from Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Bryant Fitzgerald (31) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Spartans win 20-15. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

I’m honestly not even sure Indiana is going to be better than Rutgers this season, but I’m ranking the Hoosiers ahead of the Scarlet Knights simply because they always seem to give Michigan State a run for its money. Indiana has been a thorn in the Spartans’ sides for years.

Indiana lost Michael Penix Jr. to Washington which is actually a huge blow to Tom Allen’s team but he brings in Connor Bazelak from Missouri via the portal. I don’t see the Hoosiers going bowling this year, but this game will more than likely be close until the final whistle.

Speaking of Michael Penix, Michigan State will see him earlier in the year when it travels to Seattle to face the Washington Huskies. This game is actually going to be scary.

Michigan State doesn’t exactly have a history of good luck in early-season road Pac-12 games dating back to the Oregon loss in 2014 and the Arizona State heartbreaker in 2018. The Sun Devils came to Spartan Stadium in East Lansing and upended Michigan State again.

Washington has a new head coach which actually might help after a nightmare 2021 season but I still think the Huskies are far from contending in the Pac-12.

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