3 Reasons why Michigan State will steamroll Bowling Green

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NCAA Football: Michigan at Michigan State
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Well if it ain’t about damn time. We are just a couple of days away from the Spartans (and the rest of the college football world’s) kickoff to the 2017 college football season.

And to get your mouth even frothier, here are three reasons why you can bet Michigan State will ground the Falcons.

1. REMEMBERING FURMAN

Last year the Spartans sputtered out the gate and never really caught their footing. It all began with a lackluster 28-13 victory over an FCS opponent, the Furman Paladins. Tyler O’Connor threw for under 200 yards, the Spartan rushing attack, not-named-LJ Scott, was… below average, and MSU found itself in a one-score game in the fourth quarter.

The media pundits remember it, the fans remember it, Mark Dantonio remembers it. It will not happen again.

2. FLIGHTLESS FALCONS

Bowling Green is in its second year under head coach Mike Jinks and he has had a lot of retooling to do.

The Falcons’ offense is not exactly electric, they lost starting running back Fred Coppet, and their passing game is still a work in progress. Quarterback James Morgan threw almost as many interceptions as he did touchdowns. Meanwhile, Bowling Green’s defense gave up almost 200 yards per game on the ground. And they face a Spartan trio of Scott, Gerald Holmes, and Madre London who are each capable of over 100 yards.

This does not make for good math for the Falcons.

3. RETURN OF THE ‘NO FLY ZONE’

Josiah Scott, Josh Butler, and Justin Layne. Remember those names, because they are going to lead the Spartan defense in shutting down Bowling Green.

They will be tested this weekend as the Falcons only hopes of pulling an upset is airing it out and challenging the young secondary. Scott Miller was Bowling Green’s leading receiver last year with 968 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he is not alone. If there’s a position grouping where the Falcons are stacked, it is their weapons on the outside.

GAMEDAY INFO

  • Date: Saturday, September 2
  • Time: Noon ET
  • Broadcast: ESPNU | Spartan Sports Network (Check local listings here)
  • Line: MSU -17
  • O/U: 53.5

PREDICTIONS

DSN STAFF PREDICTION
EVAN JAMES BAILEY MSU, 30-17
DANIEL DYLAN BAIR MSU, 34-14
MATT BASSIN MSU, 41-17
SHAE BROPHY MSU, 24-10
DON DRYSDALE MSU, 31-17
RYAN GRIFFIN MSU, 49-0
ALEXANDER MULLER MSU, 30-16
ROB OTTO MSU, 28-17
CARL POPOSKI MSU, 13-10
AJ REILLY MSU, 23-10
PAUL ROCHON MSU, 34-17
MICHAEL WHITAKER MSU, 28-17