Michigan State football: Final score predictions for Akron matchup

Akron comes to town on Saturday evening to take on a Michigan State football team looking to build confidence. What will the final score be?

Michigan State football is getting set to host its second straight MAC foe and after an up-and-down Week 1 performance against Western Michigan, Akron should be a palate cleanser.

The Spartans are leaps and bounds more talented than Akron and both the offense and defense should excel. Payton Thorne and the offense should improve drastically from the opener and the defense should continue to gain confidence even without Darius Snow and Xavier Henderson.

What will the final score be on Saturday evening? Our writers weighed in.

Connor Muldowney: I’m hoping for a stress-free game which is a rarity for Michigan State football fans, but this would be the week for that. Akron is just not good. Like at all. Michigan State is going to roll, Payton Thorne is going to complete over 80 percent of his throws for 250 yards and three touchdowns and the run game is going to break 250 yards as well. The offense will roll and the defense will look competent.

Prediction: Akron 10, Michigan State 45

Conner Linsner: Akron is One of the worst teams in all of college football. Michigan State will go out and take care of business this week. Payton Thorne will redeem himself after a mediocre performance against Western Michigan in week one. Spartans move to, 2-0 and look to take down Washington next weekend.

Prediction: Akron 10, Michigan State 49

Emmett Matasovsky: I believe Michigan State will come out executing this week. Akron was one of the worst run defenses in the FBS last season, and that takes the pressure off of Payton Thorne and the passing offense. With the killer Bs (Broussard and Berger) each having a pair of touchdowns, Thorne will tack on two of his own. Then, in garbage time, the Zips and Spartans will trade touchdowns, with the Zips getting two to the Spartans’ one. Jack Stone will add his first career field to complete the scoring for the Spartans. The offense will look sharper and more complete this week, but the pass defense will be shaky and maybe take a step back at points due to injuries.

Prediction: Akron 14, Michigan State 52