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3 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Football vs Michigan State

By Tyler Gransee

Sep 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) looks down field against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) looks down field against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota football will be taking on Michigan State in East Lansing for the first time in the PJ Fleck era. Here are 3 bold predictions for the Gophers.

The last time these two teams faced off was in 2017 in a game that featured a 30-27 Spartans win. Historically Minnesota football has not fared well against Michigan State as they hold a historic record of 17-30 against the Spartans.

Michigan State, currently 2-1, will look to quickly forget last week’s 39 to 28 loss against Washington. The Spartans entered last weekend’s game as the 11th-best team in the country according to the AP poll. But against Washington they did not look the part as the defense gave up over 500 total yards, not even giving the offense a chance to catch up.

The Gophers are currently 3-0 with wins against New Mexico State, Western Illinois, and Colorado. Minnesota football has been dominant throughout these games as they hold a 149-17 scoring differential.

Minnesota’s offense may be expected to take a step back after losing star wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell to a season-ending injury last weekend.

A big road win in East Lansing could push the Gophers into the top 25 of the AP poll next week.

3 Bold predictions……

Minnesota’s Defense Forces Two Turnovers

Minnesota’s defense has looked great through their first three games this year. The Gophers have allowed the second-fewest yards per game through their first three matchups. While they have succeeded in slowing opposing offenses down they have struggled to force turnovers.

Through Minnesota’s first three games they have only forced three turnovers despite being dominant on the defensive side of the ball.

Payton Thorne, Michigan State’s quarterback, has thrown four interceptions through the first three games. Along with the interceptions, Michigan State has fumbled the ball three times with one of them being recovered by the opposing team.

Mariano Sori Marin, Terell Smith, and Tyler Nubin are among several veteran defensive playmakers that will need to step up and make plays to lead the Gopher’s defense on Saturday.

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