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After a way-too-close-for-comfort win to start the season, a depressing road loss and a bye week, The Michigan State Spartans hope the start of Big Ten play can jump start the season. Unfortunately, a road night game isn’t always the best way to get a team back on track.
Before Saturday night’s game kicks off, writers at The Only Colors are ready to give their opinion on what they think will happen. The near consensus feeling – cautious optimism.
Ryan O’Bleness
Michigan State 24, Indiana 20
The Hoosiers’ up-tempo offense will probably give the Spartans fits, and as Indiana usually does against Michigan State, they’ll hang around throughout much of the game. However, as Michigan State usually does against Indiana, they’ll find a way to win. I think the Spartans used the bye week to fix the issues along the offensive line and we see a more productive run game and solid pass protection.
Matt Sheehan
Michigan State 30, Indiana 24
I think everyone -- myself included -- is still scared by that 3-9 season. We see 1-1 and are already assuming the worst. Yes, the Spartans have some glaring errors...but what team not named Alabama doesn’t right now? The early bye week gave this team the perfect time to get some things a deeper look and, more importantly, key players to rest up on injuries. Mark Dantonio is 8-3 coming off his first loss of the season, and I expect that to move to 9-3.
David Harns
Michigan State 24, Indiana 20
MSU bounces back and wins a close one this time.
Zachary Manning
Michigan State 24, Indiana 21
This game shouldn’t be close, but it will be. MSU hasn’t looked great so far, and I don’t expect that to change. The Spartans kick a late field goal to squeak out a win in Bloomington.
Kyle Thele
Michigan State 31, Indiana 17
It’s happening – MSU is finally going to play a full game the way they are supposed to. Early struggles aside, the offense will put together back-to-back touchdown drives to put a little distance between the Spartans and the Hoosiers. After settling for a late field goal, IU is going to respond with a touchdown and everyone in green is going to get a little uncomfortable. But Michigan State isn’t going to give this one away. An ugly loss turns into the start of a strong Big Ten season... right?