Michigan State football will continue its quest to end that five-game losing streak on Saturday afternoon against a 5-3 Minnesota team.
Jonathan Smith’s seat isn’t getting any cooler, but a win over the Gophers would at least stop some of the bleeding and get some fans to believe in a bowl berth again. The Spartans need to win three of their final four games to get to the postseason, but the hopes are dwindling.
Let’s get bold ahead of Saturday’s Big Ten showdown in Minneapolis.
1. Alessio Milivojevic starts, accounts for 3 TDs
I’m not in the camp that believes that Aidan Chiles is the problem, but it makes sense that the team needs a change and that’s the quickest and easiest way to pacify fans — for the time being.
I think we’re going to see Alessio Milivojevic get the nod as Michigan State’s QB1 on Saturday afternoon, and he’s going to account for three touchdowns. I can see him throwing a couple of big touchdown passes and running in another late in the game.
The offense will get a shot in the arm with the quarterback change.
2. Michigan State’s defense forces 3 turnovers
Seeing Joe Rossi on the sidelines last week seemed to fire up the defense, and it was clear that he cared about winning more than anyone on that staff (or at least it seemed that way). So with Rossi back on the sidelines against Minnesota, the defense is going to play with fire again and feed off its coach’s energy.
Michigan State will not only force three big turnovers — two picks and a fumble — but it’ll also get in the backfield regularly and pick up three sacks. That’s double the Spartans’ weekly average.
3. Michigan State ends the losing streak
Yes, we’re going to finally see the end of a losing streak on Saturday afternoon as Michigan State comes to Minnesota looking motivated, picking up a huge road win to stop the bleeding.
Michigan State enters the game as a 3.5-point dog, but that won’t matter as the quarterback change (my prediction) will lead to new life on offense and a big win in Minneapolis. This win will also keep those slim bowl hopes alive for another week.