Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State Football: 2016 game-by-game predictions

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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How will Michigan State Football fare in each game on its 2016 regular season schedule?

One day. That’s all that stands between Michigan State Football fans and the kickoff of the best time of the year. The Spartans are entering the 2016 season with some high expectations from themselves, but they don’t necessarily have the backing of the national media.

Michigan State expects to have a strong run yet again while Mark Dantonio is preaching the 2016 mantra of ‘Back 2 Back’ which is in regard to a second straight Big Ten title. The head coach hasn’t won consecutive Big Ten titles since he’s been in East Lansing, but he’s been adding to his list of accomplishments each year, so don’t count that out.

With arguably the best defense in his tenure and a revamped offense with more weapons, Michigan State might just end up surprising some people this season.

How will the Spartans fare in each of their 12 regular season games? I took a stab at the game-by-game predictions for Michigan State Football in 2016. Let me know if you agree or disagree in the comment section below.

Furman Paladins

FCS, Last year: 4-7

Oct 18, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; Furman Paladins wide receiver Chad Scott (82) looks for room against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Furman comes to town Friday looking to keep the score respectable against the Spartans. The Paladins have played teams like Clemson and Virginia Tech over the years, but this game at Spartan Stadium puts them in a tough place, facing a team ready to prove itself as a national title contender.

The Paladins do return their top rusher, Antonio Wilcox, and top receiver, Andrej Suttles, while having a quarterback battle in the midst of it all. Reese Hannon and P.J. Blazejowski are fighting it out for the starting spot. That could bode very well for the Spartans’ defense, especially given that Furman’s offense last season was mediocre, at best.

Furman was outscored on the season 318-193 which is, on average, about 11 points per contest. The Spartans should have no trouble in this one.

Final: Furman 10, Michigan State 45

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receivers C.J. Sanders (9), Torii Hunter Jr. (16), Corey Robinson (88) and Amir Carlisle (3) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Independent, Last year: 10-3

The name DeShone Kizer is one to keep an eye on. However, he has another quarterback breathing down his neck, hoping to win the starting job. Malik Zaire was dubbed the starter last offseason and there were high hopes for the then-junior dual-threat, but he suffered an injury early on and Kizer was forced into action.

Kizer finished the 2015 season with 2,884 yards and 21 touchdowns with 10 interceptions while leading the Fighting Irish to a 10-3 overall record. Sure, they lost in the Fiesta Bowl to an angry Ohio State team, but that didn’t discount the type of season Notre Dame truly had.

The quarterback controversy might play into the Spartans’ favor.

Another aspect that might help the Spartans out is the lack of returning starters for the Irish. In fact, they are only bringing back three on offense and three on defense after the dismissal of senior safety Max Redfield.

No one is really sure what type of Notre Dame team to expect, but the Fighting Irish always give the Spartans their best effort and playing in South Bend is no easy task. Expect another instant classic between the two teams in week three.

A last-second field goal will win this one for the Irish.

Final Score: Michigan State 24, Notre Dame 27

Oct 31, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin Badgers

Big Ten, Last year: 10-3

Who would have thought that Paul Chryst’s first season as head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers would have been just as successful as the coaches before him? Not me. However, Wisconsin was one of the better teams in the Big Ten in 2015, winning 10 games and falling just short of the Big Ten title game.

Michigan State and Wisconsin have a history of classic games. The rivalry is really one of the most underrated in the Big Ten, but the two teams are only meeting up for the first time since 2012 when Andrew Maxwell had a walk-off touchdown pass in overtime to beat the Badgers in Camp Randall.

Wisconsin is another team that might take a bit of a step back in 2016 due to the lack of returning starters on both sides of the ball (just eight total) and that plays heavily into Michigan State’s favor in the first conference game of the year for both teams.

Corey Clement might give the Spartans a bit of a tough time on the ground, but don’t expect Bart Houston to have success through the air. This game might be a low-scoring affair thanks to both the Badgers’ and Spartans’ stingy defenses.

Final Score: Wisconsin 13, Michigan State 24

Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Devine Redding (34) and Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) talk after a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Hoosiers

Big Ten, Last year: 6-7

Indiana has been scoring a ridiculous amount of points for the past few years and most of the success can be attributed to the offensive mind of Kevin Wilson. However, now that Nate Sudfeld is gone and the Hoosiers will have to rely on the shaky Zander Diamont or JUCO transfer Richard Lagow, there are uncertainties abound.

Lagow has been named the week one starter for the Hoosiers, but Diamont knows the offense much better, entering his junior year. Lagow, however, might just be the most talented gunslinger on the team, coming out of junior college as the third-best pro-style prospect at that level.

The Hoosiers still have plenty of talent, though. Arguably, two of the best offensive weapons in the conference reside in Bloomington. Devine Redding had over 1,000 yards rushing last season, very quietly behind Jordan Howard, and Simmie Cobbs was a 1,000-yard receiver.

Whoever takes over at quarterback for Indiana will have plenty of talent to work with, but playing against a tough Michigan State defense might just be the deciding factor in this one. Despite being the host team, Indiana will have a tough time getting into the end zone.

Final Score: Michigan State 38, Indiana 21

Oct 3, 2014; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Taysom Hill (4) drops back to pass during the first half against the Utah State Aggies at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Utah State won 35-20. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

BYU Cougars

Big Ten, Last year: 9-4

BYU presents an interesting challenge for Michigan State. The Cougars are one of those teams who could either be very surprising and make a run at a 10-plus win season or a middle-of-the-pack Independent team with a 7-5 final mark. Right now, it looks like they might just be the former.

Kalani Sitake has taken over at head coach and fans are a little weary of what to expect from the fresh face. However, BYU fans have been put to ease by the return of former Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer who will be back as the offensive coordinator for the Cougars.

Detmer has two capable quarterbacks to work with in Tanner Mangum, who filled in last season as a true freshman unexpectedly, and senior Taysom Hill who seems like he’s been on campus for a decade. The latter has been granted the starting job to start the season, but don’t count the talented Mangum out just yet.

Seven returning starters from last year’s 23rd-ranked total defense might cause problems for Michigan State, but the Spartans’ offense should be a well-oiled machine by the month of October.

This one might cause a bit of a scare for Dantonio and Co., but the Spartans will ultimately win out thanks to home-field advantage.

Final Score: BYU 21, Michigan State 31

Nov 21, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) hands the football to running back Justin Jackson (21) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Northwestern won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Northwestern Wildcats

Big Ten, Last year: 10-3

Northwestern is a team that just doesn’t get the respect it deserves. Ever since Pat Fitzgerald has been in charge, the Wildcats have been one of the more consistent programs in the Big Ten, with the exception of a year, here and there.

Coming off a 10-win year, the Wildcats are hoping to keep building. That has to start with the offensive side of the ball as Clayton Thorson, a former four-star, had a tough time passing with regularity in 2015 as a true freshman. He led the 119th-ranked passing offense as well as the 115th-ranked scoring offense. This side of the ball needs a lot of work.

Still, bringing back Thorson as a second-year starter under center to go along with an All-Big Ten candidate in Justin Jackson at running back has its advantages. Not many teams have continuity like that this season and the Wildcats could have one of the top quarterback-running back combos in the conference by the end of the year.

Michigan State will be hosting these Wildcats in the middle of a rough stretch in which they have to travel to Iowa and Ohio State — as well as MSU — in three of four games. The Spartans might be seeing a worn-down Wildcats team.

The Spartans’ defense will limit the Wildcats to less than 300 total yards and have a field day on offense. This one might be close for a half, but I see the Spartans pulling away thanks to a strong run game in the latter 30 minutes.

Final Score: Northwestern 14, Michigan State 34

Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) chases Maryland Terrapins quarterback Perry Hills (11) out of the pocket during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Maryland Terrapins

Big Ten, Last year: 3-9

The Maryland Terrapins are entering a new era of football. D.J. Durkin has taken over as the head coach after successfully leading a 10-3 Michigan Wolverines as one of the top defensive coordinators in the country. His mark has already been felt as he’s recruiting at a high level for the Terrapins.

Michigan State had its way with the Terrapins at Spartan Stadium last season and it should be the same case this year in College Park. Michigan State played with Tyler O’Connor under center for most of that game and easily came away with a 24-7 victory.

Now that O’Connor knows the Terrapins defense a little better and has more time to prepare this year rather than just being thrown in there for an injured Connor Cook, the game should be well in hand by the end of the third quarter.

The Terrapins had the 109th-ranked passing offense a season ago under Perry Hills and Caleb Rowe, and that will most likely be similar to this year. Both quarterbacks return and if their accuracy hasn’t improved, Michigan State’s secondary might gobble up at least three passes and maybe even take one back for a touchdown.

Maryland is on the rise, but this game won’t be pretty for the Terps.

Final Score: Michigan State 42, Maryland 14

Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Jalen Watts-Jackson (20) dives into the end zone for a game winning touchdown as the clock runs out in the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Michigan State 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan Wolverines

Big Ten, Last year: 10-3

Ah, the big game. Michigan State versus Michigan will be one of the best games of the year for Big Ten Football fans, just as it was last season. The Spartans, as you know, came out on top thanks to a botched punt by punter Blake O’Neill with 10 seconds left and a fumble recovery and return by Jalen Watts-Jackson.

This year, there’s no O’Neill, so the Spartan fans won’t be able to let him have it when he steps up for his first punt — but Kenny Allen will feel the pressure.

Michigan could potentially start yet another transfer quarterback in his senior season as Houston-transfer John O’Korn is battling it out with Wilton Speight to be the No. 1 guy. Last year, Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines had success with Iowa transfer Jake Rudock — could they have the same success this year?

Playing in East Lansing for this one, the Spartans have to be the favorites. Although Michigan might be ranked a little higher, Michigan State would love nothing more than to knock the Wolverines out of perfect season contention.

This might just be a defensive battle in East Lansing and probably the best game of week nine.

Final Score: Michigan 17, Michigan State 20

Nov 14, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Wes Lunt (12) throws a pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois Fighting Illini

Big Ten, Last year: 5-7

Wes Lunt doesn’t really get a whole lot of credit for being one of the more consistent passers in the Big Ten. The former Oklahoma State quarterback transferred to Illinois after his freshman season with the Cowboys and has really taken off as a reliable starter for the Fighting Illini.

Lovie Smith enters his first season as head coach of the Illini and he already has a quarterback he can trust. Lunt passed for 2,761 yards,14 touchdowns and just six interceptions last season and helped lead Illinois to a 5-7 overall record. The Fighting Illini started the season 4-1, but lost 6-of-7 and didn’t end up making a bowl.

The Illini are hoping that Smith’s teachings and NFL experience will lead them back to the Rose Bowl conversation, but there is a long way to go.

Losing Geronimo Allison will hurt Lunt’s passing game, but Malik Turner and Desmond Cain will be back as the returning second and third-leading receivers. Sophomore Ke’Shawn Vaughn is in for a breakout season in the backfield after an impressive freshman campaign, but playing a vaunted MSU run defense will be a confidence-crusher.

Michigan State will head to Champaign for the first time since 2013, but have the same result: a blowout victory.

Final Score: Michigan State 37, Illinois 17

Nov 21, 2015; West Point, NY, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Janarion Grant (1) returns a kick against the Army Black Knights during the second half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Big Ten, Last year: 4-8

Rutgers gave Michigan State quite a scare in 2015. Traveling to Piscataway in the fifth week of the year looked to be just a prep game for the Spartans at the beginning of Big Ten play, but the Scarlet Knights gave the Spartans much more of a battle.

The game was starting to get away from Rutgers as the Spartans took a two-touchdown lead in the third quarter, but it stormed back to even it up. A huge third-down conversion from Cook to R.J. Shelton gave the Spartans new life and they ended up scoring the winning touchdown on that drive.

Chris Laviano got the ball back and was driving with under 10 seconds left and had a mental lapse, spiking the ball on fourth down to end the game. He returns as the starter with a new coach in place, Chris Ash, and he’ll be hoping to redeem himself.

Unfortunately for him, East Lansing won’t be as friendly as the confines of High Point Solutions Stadium. The Scarlet Knights, like Maryland, are just a few years away from turning things around, but this season will be another mediocre one.

Janarion Grant will have a big game against the Spartans like Leonte Carroo did last year, but Michigan State wins handily.

Final Score: Rutgers 10, Michigan State 38

Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) is tackled while running with the ball by Michigan State Spartans safety Montae Nicholson (9) in the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State Buckeyes

Big Ten, Last year: 12-1

The rematch of last season’s incredible last-second field goal finish could end up deciding who will win the Big Ten East. I don’t see the Buckeyes having a loss in conference play heading into this one and nor do I see one on the Spartans’ end. Both teams may just have one loss overall and be 7-0 in conference play before this contest.

Two heavyweights squaring off for the right to be Big Ten East champs will make for yet another solid game on the Spartans schedule.

Three years ago, Michigan State took down the Buckeyes in an exciting Big Ten title game matchup. In 2014, Ohio State pulled off a minor upset in East Lansing, taking down the favored Spartans and crushing their College Football Playoff hopes. A year ago, the Spartans returned the favor and upset the Buckeyes in Columbus.

Back in East Lansing where Michigan State hasn’t defeated the Buckeyes since 1999, that won’t change because J.T. Barrett will be continuing his pursuit of another national title and even a Heisman Trophy. The Buckeyes have lost a ton of personnel, but they’re in no shortage of stars.

Final Score: Ohio State 34, Michigan State 28

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) during the second half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State Nittany Lions

Big Ten, Last year: 7-6

Last year, Michigan State took out a season full of anger on the Nittany Lions. Tired of close contests against clearly inferior opponents, the Spartans just thumped Penn State in Spartan Stadium, 55-16. The game was so out of hand by the end of the fourth quarter that even All-American center Jack Allen scored a rushing touchdown.

Must Read: MSU Football: 2016 season preview and predictions

Former five-star quarterback Christian Hackenberg is now gone, but the Spartans are hoping that Trace McSorley isn’t much better. Unfortunately for McSorley, he will have to face one of the best secondaries in college football in the final game of the regular season — he just has to hope the Nittany Lions aren’t still fighting for bowl eligibility.

Saquon Barkley is one of the Big Ten’s top running backs and he had a solid game against the Spartans last year and will do so again this year along with backup Miles Sanders contributing to the run game.

The Nittany Lions will have a tough time slowing down the Spartans’ run game this season, but will stymy O’Connor and the aerial attack. Michigan State will sneak out of Happy Valley with a strong victory.

Final Score: Penn State 14, Michigan State 24