Rooting for other Big Ten teams is usually a no-no, but as long as it's not Michigan, there's no shame in it when Michigan State football is on a bye.
Some Big Ten teams winning may actually help the Spartans.
So with Michigan State off this week and 12 teams taking the field in conference action, here's who Spartan fans should be rooting for during their Week 5 bye.
1. USC over Illinois
Why should we root for the team that just beat Michigan State? Because it would obviously make the Spartans look better if USC can go on the road and beat a Top 25 team like the Illini. This game lost a bit of its luster thanks to Illinois' blowout loss to Indiana last weekend, but it's still one of the best matchups of Week 5.
Rooting for USC to continue looking like a wagon would make Michigan State fans feel better about the Spartans' Week 4 loss at USC by two touchdowns.
2. UCLA over Northwestern
Curious about this one, too? It may actually mean nothing, but no one wants to be UCLA's first win, and if the Bruins can secure that before coming to East Lansing in two weeks, that would be great.
That would take some pressure off the Spartans, and while it could give the Bruins some confidence, they shouldn't be taken lightly, no matter what. If they beat Northwestern on the road, Michigan State will make sure not to take them lightly, and they won't have to worry about being UCLA's first win and can play more freely. Plus, beating a zero-win team would feel gross.
3. Penn State over Oregon
Another one that will help optics for Michigan State, Penn State beating Oregon could set them up to be the potential No. 1 team in the country when the Spartans host them later this season.
I do think Penn State is beatable, but it's still ranked No. 3 in the country, and a win over No. 6 Oregon in Week 5 could put the Nittany Lions in the conversation to be No. 1. Ohio State will still hold that spot, especially if it beats Washington on the road, but it could jump Miami.
As you can see, I'm all about the optics that make MSU look better.