Michigan State Football: 2018 Game-By-Game Predictions

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans eludes Dylan Hanser #33 of the Washington State Cougars on a run play during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

In what could be a trap game, the Spartans stay at home to play the Northwestern Wildcats. The Wildcats are coming off their third 10-win season in six years and look to carry that momentum heading into the 2018 campaign. The biggest concern for the Wildcats will be on offense.

With running back Justin Jackson gone to the NFL, Northwestern will look to quarterback Clayton Thorson to lead the offense despite tearing his ACL during the Wildcats bowl game last year. Although he may not be ready for the season opener but by week six he should be ready to go.

The Spartans find themselves in their first grudge match of the season. With both defenses making plays, Michigan State heads into halftime with just a three-point lead. In their first drive of the second half, Northwestern drives down the field for a score but misses the extra point. Trading haymakers on both sides of the ball, the Spartans find themselves down by two with under a minute left. A game-winning field goal as time expires is…no good, and the Spartans pick up their first loss of the season.

Final: Northwestern 22, Michigan State 20. Record: 4-1 (1-1)

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