Predicting the final score of every 2024 Michigan State football game

2. at Maryland

With the first game (and win) under their belt in this new era of Michigan State football, the Spartans hit the road for an early Big Ten road game against Maryland.

The Terps will be a formidable opponent and on paper are likely the better team. However, we all know sports aren't as simple as that.

I actually think Michigan State matches up very well in this game. The Terps are breaking in a new quarterback this season after having one of the better and more experienced quarterbacks in the conference the last few seasons. So since this game is so early in the season I don't think Maryland will be as strong of a team as they will be at the end of the year.

However, Michigan State will be facing that same problem as well, just on a larger scale. While Maryland only has to break in some new players, MSU has to do that while learning a new scheme with a brand new coaching staff. That is not an easy thing to do while on the road against a quality opponent.

If this game were later in the season I'd pick Michigan State to win, but I see the first loss under Smith coming at the hands of the Terps in a heartbreaking walk off field goal.

Prediction: Maryland wins 24-23

Record: 1-1, 0-1 Big Ten