Michigan State football: 3 bold predictions at Rutgers in Week 7
![Sep 30, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Ethan Hurkett (49) and linebacker Jay Higgins (34) tackle Michigan State Spartans running back Nathan Carter (5) during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports Sep 30, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Ethan Hurkett (49) and linebacker Jay Higgins (34) tackle Michigan State Spartans running back Nathan Carter (5) during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/09647da812cfbe74b14cdf628128ece05f031d00bb65c5ec56a1fceab83ca033.jpg)
2. Katin Houser throws three touchdown passes
Katin Houser is likely getting his first start on Saturday afternoon, barring some sort of wild change. Harlon Barnett hinted at this notion during his weekly presser on Monday without really just coming out and saying it, but I’d be shocked to see Noah Kim take the field as the starter against the Scarlet Knights.
We all have to remember that while Houser has potential and a higher ceiling, he’s not just going to be some quick fix for this offense. He can mask some shortcomings, but he’s not going to come in and immediately turn the Spartans into 2019 LSU.
The offense still has blocking issues as well as play-calling issues. Those aren’t just going to be magically fixed with Houser starting.
Houser will, however, get this offense moving down the field at a better rate (hopefully, it can’t get any worse) and he’s going to lead a few big scoring drives. I’m predicting three touchdown passes for the redshirt freshman in his starting debut. A heck of a start.