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Michigan State Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2022

By Connor Muldowney

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Mel Tucker of the Michigan State Spartans waits walks with his players to the field to play the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Mel Tucker of the Michigan State Spartans waits walks with his players to the field to play the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 20: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Ohio State Buckeyes tries to get around the tackle of Darius Snow #23 of the Michigan State Spartans after a first half catch at Ohio Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 20: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Ohio State Buckeyes tries to get around the tackle of Darius Snow #23 of the Michigan State Spartans after a first half catch at Ohio Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The schedule does Michigan State no favors in October as the Spartans hit the road again to face a high-octane Maryland team that is almost always tough to beat early in the season. However, when the calendar turns to October, Maryland becomes about 50 percent less effective. Still, the Terrapins have Taulia Tagovailoa and an offense that can put up some points.

Mike Locksley’s team is going to score plenty, but his defense is lacking. The Terrapins were 85th nationally in total yards allowed and 98th in scoring a season ago. I expect that struggle to continue this season.

Michigan State makes another road statement here.

Prediction: Win (5-0, 2-0)

I’m not even going to lie to you, I’m not looking forward to this matchup. Ohio State is absolutely loaded on the offensive side of the ball and we saw what the Buckeyes did to the Spartans last season with CJ Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, and Chris Olave. Two of those wideouts are gone, but Stroud and JSN are still Heisman contenders.

Ohio State’s defense should also improve but replacing Wilson and Olave on offense won’t be easy.

Ryan Day has a College Football Playoff favorite this year, but the Spartans could create some magic in a bumping Spartan Stadium. However, I think the Buckeyes just have too much firepower here.

Prediction: Loss (5-1, 2-1)

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