Michigan State is looking to get back to a bowl game this year but it’ll be very tough with the tough schedule they have. This is also a very important season for Mel Tucker, after getting a big 10-year contract worth $95 million, he’s been a disappointment to Spartans fans to say the least. This is a big season that could be a major stepping stone into getting the fanbase back.
9/1 vs Central Michigan Chippewas
The start of a four game home stretch for the Spartans, this will be a great way to start the season as it’s an opponent they can beat but also a team that will allow them to try out things they’ll need to compete in the Big Ten, let alone the Big Ten East. Michigan State beats Central Michigan 34-14.
9/9 vs Richmond Spiders
After starting 1-0, Michigan State is welcoming an FCS school to look to advance to 2-0. Sparty will cruise past the Spiders in this one with ease as Michigan State beats Richmond 49-20.
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9/16 vs Washington Huskies
This will be a huge test for Michigan State, the biggest of the season up to this point. Washington finished within the top 10 last year and actually beat Michigan State 39-28. But the Spartans are looking to get revenge this year as the game is headed to East Lansing. But the Huskies are going to be too powerful as Michigan State loses to Washington 34-21.
9/23 vs Maryland Terrapins
Starting Big Ten play, the Terrapins come to town to face off against Michigan State who will be coming off a loss in week three. The Spartans dropped this game last year as well and will be looking for a win to get the conference play started. Maryland is returning multiple key players and have a great chance to upset some teams this year. The bounce back they needed comes and Michigan State beats Maryland 31-24.
9/30 @ Iowa Hawkeyes
Definitely a very tough way to start on the road, especially being another Big Ten team that you’d love to steal a win from. As we all know, Iowa’s defense has proven time and time again and it would shock no one to see it be that way yet again in the 2023 season.
The Hawkeyes added ex-Michigan quarterback, Cade McNamara and tight end, Erick All. So this offense will be a little better than some we’ve seen in the past from this team. Disappointment will roll around again as Michigan State loses to Iowa 21-17.
10/14 @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Coming off a bye week and sitting at 3-2 on the season so far, this could be a huge point in the Michigan State season. Sparty beat the Scarlet Knights last season in a close one, 27-21. This is a must win game and Michigan State beats Rutgers 31-24.
10/21 vs Michigan Wolverines
Other than being just a massive rivalry, this game has had some bad blood in recent years. With fighting in the tunnels and even on the field pregame. Michigan has proven to find a new stride in recent years, knocking off Ohio State and winning the Big Ten in back to back years, the Spartans on the other hand have gone in the other direction. Michigan State loses to Michigan 38-24.
10/28 @ Minnesota Gophers
Coming off a loss in their rivalry game, the Spartans will look to get back on track against a Mineesota team that is welcoming Michigan State to Huntington Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. Minnesota played at Michigan State last year and trounced them, holding them to just seven points as they won 34-7. The Spartans would like to return the favor this time around and will, as Michigan State beats Minnesota 24-17.
11/4 vs Nebraska Cornhuskers
A lot of people are having mixed feelings about this Nebraska team and no one really knows what to expect. One topic of discussion for mixed feelings is the hire of Matt Rhule, some people think it’ll help while a lot of people think it’ll make Nebraska take a step back. I agree with the second opinion. Michigan State beats Nebraska 38-20.
11/11 @ Ohio State Buckeyes
The Spartans have had little to no luck when playing the Buckeyes in recent years, and have really struggled when the game takes place in Columbus. Unfortunately for them, this year’s game is in Columbus. Ohio State has key players on both sides of the ball and is the second favorite to win the Big Ten. But they will have a new quarterback in Kyle McCord taking the power. But, the Buckeyes continue their success this year as Michigan State loses to Ohio State 49-21.
11/18 @ Indiana Hoosiers
Coming off of a major blowout loss to rivals Ohio State, the Spartans need a really good bounce back game in Bloomington. Michigan State will be doing everything in their power to avoid the embarrassment from last year, the Spartans were up big at half and ended up losing to Indiana in double overtime, just a heartbreaking loss for this team. But on the brightside for Sparty fans, the Hoosiers seem to be weaker on the offensive side and it’ll show in this game as Michigan State beats Indiana 31-14.
11/25 vs Penn State Nittany Lions
This Penn State team is going to come into East Lansing gunning for a Big Ten championship spot and more than likely, even a playoff spot. This Nittany Lion team will be led by new quarterback Drew Allar out of Medina High School in Ohio.
These two teams are a perfect 18-18-1 in their past 37 matchups, pretty evenly matched. This Penn State offense will have caught fire by this time and be right in stride to make a run for the Big Ten and possibly even the College Football Championship. Michigan State loses to Penn State 34-20.
Final record: 7-5
More College Football links to check out:
The Top 10 Big Ten Matchups for the 2023 College Football Season
