In a year where it was uncertain if we would have Michigan State football in the fall, the Spartans and the rest of the Big Ten Conference officially kick off their 2020 seasons this weekend.
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The Mel Tucker era in East Lansing is set to begin, and while expectations aren’t high in year one for the new head coach, fans are excited to see what coach Tucker will bring to the table.
Here are my 2020 Michigan State Spartans football game-by-game predictions. Go green!
Week 1 vs. Rutgers
Prediction: Mums the word on who will be under center at the start of the Spartans season. No matter who gets the nod, be it Rocky Lombardi, Theo Day, or Payton Thorne, Michigan State’s new coaching regime will look to come out strong and showcase this new offense and defense to their fans. While beating Rutgers is not a major accomplishment, I believe MSU makes a statement in game one. MICHIGAN STATE 30 RUTGERS 14
Week 2 at Michigan
Prediction: One week into his MSU coaching tenure, Mel Tucker will look to put his stamp on the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry. I hate Michigan with every bone in my body, but I do not expect the Spartans to win this one. MSU will play Jim Harbaugh’s team tough, but having no fans in the stands favors Michigan more so than it does State in my opinion. I fully expect Michigan to win this one by at least two scores. MICHIGAN 34 MICHIGAN STATE 17
Week 3 at Iowa
Prediction: The Hawkeyes could be the team to beat in the Big Ten West, but this is the week the Spartans pull off the upset and notches what will be their most impressive win of the season. MICHIGAN STATE 28 IOWA 24
Week 4 vs. Indiana
Prediction: Sparty may have won the last three meetings, but the Hoosiers are always a tough matchup for the green and white. That said, I think MSU survives a close game, advancing to 3-1 in the shortened season. MICHIGAN STATE 20 INDIANA 17
Week 5 at Maryland
Prediction: MSU has won three consecutive meetings with the Terrapins as well, and should be able to take this one on the road, no problem. MICHIGAN STATE 31 MARYLAND 14
Week 6 vs. Northwestern
Prediction: With the hopes and dreams of MSU fans at a season-high, Northwestern will remind them to pump the brakes, delivering a heartbreaking loss to Sparty and ultimately crumbling their chances at a winning season. NORTHWESTERN 30 MICHIGAN STATE 20
Week 7 vs. Ohio State
Prediction: Ohio State. Need I say more? Mel Tucker’s squad will no doubt get roughed up in this one. It will be over by halftime. OHIO STATE 49 MICHIGAN STATE 13
Week 8 at Penn State
Prediction: The Spartans will finish their season on a three-game skid, but will leave fans hopeful for the future. These last two games will prove to be valuable experience come next season. PENN STATE 34 MICHIGAN STATE 23
FINAL REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 4-4
Nation, how do you think the Spartans will do this season?