Revenge is on the minds of Michigan State football fans heading into a big-time battle with Boston College on Saturday night, even if the team is downplaying that storyline.
Michigan State is looking to start the season 2-0 for a second straight season under Jonathan Smith, but it's going to take a near-perfect effort to ensure that happens. The Eagles will give Michigan State all it can handle, but the Spartans have the pieces to not only win, but to also cover.
Let's dive into some bold predictions for the big game.
1. Aidan Chiles wins the QB battle
A year ago, Aidan Chiles received a ton of criticism for his three-turnover game against Boston College in the rain, but even with the miscues, the Spartans should have won. And it wasn't all on Chiles, he just didn't get enough help from his receivers (down Nick Marsh) or his offensive line.
Chiles hasn't forgotten that performance. He's going to bounce back with three touchdowns and no turnovers against the Eagles this time around, to go along with 250-plus total yards. Dylan Lonergan, on the other hand, will have less than 200 yards and two picks.
2. Nick Marsh goes off for 100 yards
Boston College hasn't seen Nick Marsh in person before, and they're going to be graced with his presence on Saturday night. He missed last year's game with an injury, and was quiet in the opener, so you know he's chomping at the bit to get out there and make some noise.
Marsh was relatively quiet in the opener against Western Michigan, but don't expect that to carry over into this Week 2 matchup with Boston College.
He finishes with seven catches for 112 yards and a touchdown.
3. Michigan State wins by 10
The spread has been anywhere from a few points to a touchdown this week, but I'm going with Michigan State covering, and winning by double-digits.
Is this a biased pick? Maybe, but it's a gut feeling that I can't ignore.
If you know anything about me, you know that I'm usually never feeling good before a game, but something about this Boston College matchup feels different. I'm going with the Spartans, 30-20.