Michigan State Football: Early look at 2023 Schedule for the Spartans with game by game predictions

Michigan State football has a difficult schedule again this season but with their first four games being at home this season.

Michigan State’s football outlook for this season is not clear. Two years ago, they won 11 games that included wins over Michigan, Miami (FL), Penn State, and Pitt in the Peach Bowl.

Last season was considered by many accounts a disappointment with home losses to Indiana and Minnesota as well as defeats on the road to Maryland and Washington. Not making it to a bowl game last season slowed down the momentum that the Spartans had going for them after a very successful 2021 season.

This season, there is a three-person quarterback competition even though starting quarterback Peyton Thorne is returning for his fourth season as a Spartan. The running back competition for the second season in a row is open as well as returning rusher Jalen Berger is back but the Spartans went to the transfer portal once again and picked up two quality, veteran running backs to add to the competition to be named the starting running back this season.

The offensive line has more depth but Michigan State football lost a star wide receiver Jayden Reed to the NFL draft and up and coming wide-out Germie Bernard transferred this off-season. Along with losing their leading receiver at tight end Daniel Barker, the Spartans had kicker Jack Stone transfer leaving the field goal-kicking situation unstable as it was last season.

The good news is that Michigan State should have more depth at key positions on offense to overcome any injuries throughout the season without taking a dramatic downturn in offensive production. The defense is bringing back a lot of key contributors and starters from last season and should have more depth and experience in the secondary. There are some question marks for the Spartans that can not be ignored but the competition in Spring ball and the position battles entering Fall camp should provide Michigan State with more depth and experience entering this upcoming season than any season before under the leadership of head coach Mel Tucker. Let’s now take a look at the Spartan’s opponents for this upcoming season.

Week 1

This is the season opener for the Spartans for the 2023 season.

Last 5 games of this series between these two teams: The Spartans have won four out of the last five games against the Chippewas.

Rivalry Trophy:  No

Current Win Streak: Michigan State football has won the last four games between these two schools, having a four-game winning streak in this rivalry.

Last meeting between both schools: The Spartans defeated the Chippewas at home by a final score of 31-20 in 2018.

Prediction: Michigan State 34 Central Michigan 17

Week 2

Richmond at Michigan State

Saturday, Sept 9

This is the Spartan’s only game against an FCS opponent this season.

Last meeting between both schools: The game will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools on the gridiron.

Prediction: Michigan State 48 Richmond 10

Week 3

A rematch of last year’s game that saw the Spartans fall on the road to the Huskies. This season at Spartan Stadium, Michigan State football is hoping for a better ending.

Last 5 games of this series between these two teams:  The two schools have only played each other four times going back to the year 1969 and the Huskies have won three out of the last four games against the Spartans.

Current Win Streak: Washington has won the last three games between these two schools, having a three-game winning streak in this rivalry.

Last meeting between both schools: The Huskies defeated the Spartans at home by a final score of 39-28.

Prediction: Michigan State 37 Washington 33

Week 4

This is the fourth straight home game to start the season and the first Big Ten game of the season for the Spartans as well.

Last 5 games of this rivalry: The Spartans have won four out of the last five games against the Terrapins.

Rivalry Trophy:  No

Current Win Streak: Maryland has won the last game between these two schools, having a one-game winning streak in this rivalry.

Last meeting between both schools: The Terrapins defeated the Spartans at home by a final score of 27-13.

Prediction: Michigan State 24 Maryland 21