Top 10 non-conference CFB games in state of Michigan in 2022

The Spartans highlight the top non-conference games for teams in the state of Michigan this season.

No. 2

Western Michigan lost a ton of productive players on offense but they arguably will have the best defense in the MAC this season. Head coach Tim Lester will be in his sixth season as head coach of the Broncos and he and his team will be looking to pull off the upset against the Spartans in primetime and on a nationally televised game on ESPN.

Michigan State is ranked No. 14 by Athlon Sports and they bring back their starter at quarterback as well as their top receiver. The Spartans’ offensive line should be improved as well as more production from their tight ends but they have to replace their best player in running back Kenneth Walker.

The Spartans addressed the departure of Walker through the transfer portal and they bring back two veterans at the position as well. They also add key impactful players through the transfer portal to improve their defense that struggled at times last season. The Broncos’ strength will be their running game this season but the Spartans’ front seven should be among one of the best in the Big Ten this season. Michigan State will look to establish the run against Western Michigan and dare them to pass against an improved Spartan secondary.

Michigan State should win this game by double digits but Western Michigan will be looking to pull off an upset of a Power Five school like they did last year against Pitt.

During the 2016 season, the Broncos defeated two Big Ten teams on the road and this is not the same team but history has shown that Western Michigan is capable of defeating power five conference teams in non-conference play. Look for Michigan State to win but don’t be entirely shocked if this is a one-score game in the second half.

No. 1

This is by far the most anticipated non-conference game for any of the teams in the state of Michigan this season. Even though the Huskies had a very disappointing season highlighted by a home loss to Montana and losing their last four games of the season last year, this season should be different. Washington only won four games last season but they should be much improved this season for various reasons.

The first thing the Huskies did was bring in a new head coach in Kalen DeBoer who lead Fresno State to a nine-win season last year.

Washington’s offense should be much improved led by Indiana transfer Michael Penix, who will take over at the helm at quarterback and the Huskies should be able to put up more points on the scoreboard in comparison to last season. They had a very solid defense and an outstanding pass defense last season but lost key players from their secondary. However, their defense is expected to be one of the top defenses in the PAC-12 this season.

Michigan State has to travel to the West Coast, which will be challenging as they historically have not played well against teams out west. However, the Spartans proved last season with their win on the road against Miami that they are capable of winning on the road against a power five conference opponent.

Both teams should enter this game undefeated at 2-0 and this will be a nationally televised game during prime time so many eyes will be watching. Washington enters this game as a slight favorite but Michigan State looks to win this game by pulling away late in the fourth quarter.