Michigan State football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2023

Sep 17, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) celebrates with tight end Tyler Hunt (97) after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

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The 2022 season was a resounding failure for Michigan State football.

The Spartans were supposed to be contending for a Big Ten title after being ranked to begin the season following an 11-2 campaign in 2021. But Mel Tucker’s team took a major step back as the defense struggled early on and Payton Thorne just never looked like himself.

Michigan State is looking to bounce back with an improved roster in 2023 and here’s how I see the Spartans’ season playing out if it started today.

Central Michigan will be the perfect way to kick off the 2023 season and Michigan State should have no problem with the Chippewas in East Lansing.

Jim McElwain’s team finished just 4-8 last season and fell short of all expectations. No one truly expected the Chippewas to compete for a MAC title, but no one expected them to win one-third of their games, either.

Michigan State gets a nice, stress-free win to open the 2023 season.

Prediction: Win (1-0)

Richmond was actually one of the better teams in the FCS last season, going 9-4 on the year and finishing in second place in the CAA.

But this is not the FCS.

The Spiders will give Michigan State a decent battle, but the Spartans should win this one with ease and I’m predicting a coming-out party for Katin Houser here.

Prediction: Win (2-0)

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