Michigan State football: Post-spring game-by-game predictions for 2023

Spring ball is well in the rearview mirror and Michigan State football fans are hoping that the 2023 season proves that 2022 was just a fluke.

The schedule won’t be very easy, however, as the Spartans will have to travel to Iowa, Minnesota, and Ohio State while also hosting Washington, Maryland, Michigan, and battling it out with Penn State at Ford Field. There could be 5-6 legitimately ranked teams on the schedule this year for the Spartans.

How will the Spartans fare base on updated post-spring expectations?

Dating back to the Mark Dantonio days, the season opener against a directional in-state school usually leads to some sloppy play and a game that’s much closer than it should be. I don’t think this game will feel all that close, but the score will be within two touchdowns by the fourth quarter.

We’ll see Katin Houser and Noah Kim get some reps and the Spartans will add another score in the fourth to seal the deal and start the season off on the right note. The offense will actually be fun again.

Prediction: Win (1-0)

Richmond was a bit of a problem in the FCS last year, going 9-4 overall with three ranked wins at that level. The Spiders did open the year with an FBS opponent, losing to Virginia 34-17.

Michigan State is hoping that they can build off that season-opening win over Central and avoid a close call against the Spiders.

I don’t think this one will be all that close as Michigan State flexes some muscle on both sides of the ball and dominates the trenches.

Prediction: Win (2-0)