Michigan State is coming off a big win against rival Michigan last Saturday night in the Big House. Now people are starting to notice Sparty again and that could mean they are primed for a letdown game. The Spartans are four-point favorites at Minnesota.
After facing two really tough defenses in Iowa and Michigan, the Spartans actually get somewhat of a reprieve this week against Minnesota. The Gophers’ defense has feasted on lesser opponents but once conference play hit, both Maryland and Purdue racked up big yards and consequently both teams beat the Gophers. Plus the Gophers now have some key injuries, including their best defensive player, safety Antoine Winfield Jr.
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Now this may seem like all bad for Minnesota, but Michigan State is not a powerhouse on offense this season. I’m not quite ready to declare Sparty back after one win over Michigan where the Wolverines constantly shot themselves in the foot.
This is a night game and I expect PJ Fleck and the Gophers to pull out all the stops to win and avoid starting the conference season 0-3. Look for a close game and potentially a Gopher upset.