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Michigan State Football: 3 reasons Spartans will win 8 games, 3 reasons they’ll lose 8

By Scott Tolonen

Michigan State defensive back Caleb Coley runs a drill during football practice on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in East Lansing.
Michigan State defensive back Caleb Coley runs a drill during football practice on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in East Lansing. /
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Jul 26, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason 2 for losing 8: Strength of schedule

Let’s start with the obvious: Michigan State plays four top 10 teams and Michigan (2), Ohio State (3), Penn State (7), and Washington (10) are ranked that high for a reason. Add on top of that games against Iowa (25) and Minnesota who were third and fourth in the nation, respectively, in yards allowed. If they lose all their games against top-10 teams, they have such a slim margin to just make a bowl game.

I hate playing the “what if” game but let’s say they play a close game against Washington, but ultimately lose by a few points. Will the team have enough time to shake it off and prepare for a Maryland team that could have a top passing attack in the Big Ten? Will there be bye week rust to shake off as they head to Rutgers?

The Spartans’ schedule has gotten national recognition as one of the toughest 2023 schedules.

Will the Spartans have enough to win a few games they shouldn’t, while finding ways to not lose games in which they’re favored? There are plenty of opportunities to prove the former.

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