Michigan State Football: Spartans look to start strong vs Utah State
Michigan State Football will look to continue on from its successful 2017 season as the Spartans open the new year against Utah State.
After surging onto the scene in 2017, the Michigan State Spartans will enter the new year with much higher expectations.
Rewinding back to 2016, the Spartans were ranked in the top 10 to start the year, but after an unexpected downfall finished with just three wins on the year. Entering 2017, it was assumed the program would be heading in the right direction, but no one thought they would be competing for a Big Ten East divisional crown this quickly.
Now, with the return of quarterback Brian Lewerke– along with their ever-so stout defense, the Spartans are now a favorite of many to come out of the East and compete for a berth in the College Football Playoff.
The Spartans, like many fellow Big Ten schools, will have a tune-up game in week one as they host the Utah State Aggies in East Lansing. It will be the first-ever meeting between these two and a good chance for each team to get some in-game experience before heading into the meat of their respective schedules.
Date: Friday, August 21
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, MI
Venue: Spartan Stadium
TV: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: BTN2Go
Keys to the Game
If anyone outside of Big Ten and Michigan State fandom is asked about the Spartans, that person is likely to respond regarding the team’s defensive presence and reputation. Not many people look at the Spartans and think explosive offense, and reasonably so as the defense has been the strong suit for many years.
This season, quarterback Brian Lewerke could emerge as one of the best players in the conference. Not only is he a talented passer and smart player, but he is surrounded with up and coming talent at the wide receiver spots.
In order for the Spartans to contend for a Big Ten crown, the offense is going to need to get it rolling early- and this starts with Utah State. A lot of times in 2017, the offense was not able to pick up the defensive’s spectacular efforts, thus keeping it close and sometimes losing it. Lewerke and company are going to need to come out firing and looking to score early and often, rather than playing down to their opponent and going through the motions.
If the Spartans can establish a balanced attack early, this one will not be close for long.
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Predictions
This could be a special year for the Spartans as both their offense and defense have the chance to be one of the best units in the conference. Rather than running it over the Aggies, like they should be able to easily- Lewerke will come out firing and connecting on a couple of early touchdown passes.
With the Spartans consistent defense, it will allow no chance for the Aggies to get back in this one.
Final score: Michigan State 38, Utah State 7