The Only Colors - Ranking each opponent on Michigan State football’s 2022 schedulehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49231/onlycolors-fave.png2022-07-16T08:33:00-05:00http://www.theonlycolors.com/rss/stream/229531512022-07-16T08:33:00-05:002022-07-16T08:33:00-05:00Ranking Michigan State’s 2022 Football Schedule: No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes
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<p id="YwUMTN">The look ahead to the 2022 schedule for ranking <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/"><strong>Michigan State’s</strong></a> football opponents this coming season wraps up today. The No. 1 team on the list, unsurprisingly, is the <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> Buckeyes.</p>
<h3 id="Zjiurd">2021 Record: 11-2 (8-1 Big Ten)</h3>
<p id="uOneFR">Ohio State suffered an early season upset loss at home to Oregon and had close calls against Penn State and at Nebraska. A shaky defense was the team’s Achilles’ heel and it came to the forefront as rival Michigan pummeled Ohio State in Ann Arbor by a final score of 42-27. Then a shootout in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a> ended with a narrow 48-45 victory over Utah to end the season.</p>
<h3 id="rYweke">Series History</h3>
<p id="XPWFVN">The Spartans will be facing off against the Buckeyes for the 51st time in a series that dates back to 1912. Michigan State is currently riding a six-game losing streak in the series and, while the 2016 game was a two-point difference in score between the two programs, the past five losses since then have been by an average of 35.6 points. MSU trails OSU all-time by a mark 35-15.</p>
<h3 id="HDaJgU">2022 Program Outlook</h3>
<p id="j54xyw">The Buckeyes will look to rebound this year from the numbing experience of allowing Michigan to walk all over the team in Ann Arbor last year, particularly after head coach Ryan Day had to endure fans all offseason and jettisoned his defensive coordinator to bring in Jim Knowles. Knowles will also be assisted by new hires Perry Eliano as safeties coach and Tim Walton as cornerbacks coach to fix that defense. The defense needs a big turnaround in consistency across positions this year after Ohio State ranked in the top-five of the Big Ten in sacks and interceptions, but just ninth in points allowed per game (22.8)</p>
<p id="LXuQkN">On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback C.J. Stroud returns at quarterback as a preseason Heisman Trophy favorite, with wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba also returning as a go-to target for Stroud. Smith-Njigba set school records in receptions (95) and receiving yardage (1,606) last season, while Stroud had a phenomenal redshirt freshman campaign with a 71.9 percent completion percentage, 4,435 yards, 44 touchdowns and excellent ball security with just six interceptions. Ohio State also returns its leading rusher from last season, TreVeyon Henderson, who rushed for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns (adding four additional scores in the receiving game). </p>
<h3 id="Gcc196">Why No. 1?</h3>
<p id="B5w9Af">After having the most success against Ohio State during the Urban Meyer era of any Big Ten program thanks to wins in 2013 and 2015, Michigan State has been lapped by OSU multiple times ever since. Until any other program in the league starts posting the consistency in Big Ten hardware as the Buckeyes have, and posts six-straight wins including five victories averaging a 35.6-point margin, OSU is the toughest team on the schedule every year.</p>
<h3 id="s5AKL5">Prediction</h3>
<p id="r82taM">This game is in East Lansing with an actual crowd in the stands and year three of the Mel Tucker era. Hopefully that is enough to make this loss more circa 2016 or 2012, and less a repeat of the past two nightmares. But expect a win for the Buckeyes. </p>
<h4 id="r7ZAhT">Catch up on the rankings here:</h4>
<p id="00eWDY"><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/6/30/23189111/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-12-akron-zips">No. 12 Akron Zips</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/1/23189149/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartanss-2022-football-schedule-no-11-western-michigan-broncos">No. 11 Western Michigan Broncos</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/6/23192764/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-10-indiana-hoosiers">No. 10: Indiana Hoosiers</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/7/23192777/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-9-rutgers-scarlet-knights">No. 9: Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/8/23192783/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-scheduleno-8-illinois-fighting-illini">No. 8: Illinois Fighting Illini</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/9/23192785/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-7-maryland-terrapins">No. 7: Maryland Terrapins</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/11/23192791/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-6-minnesota-golden-gophers">No. 6: Minnesota Golden Gophers</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/12/23202229/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-5-michigan-wolverines">No 5: Michigan Wolverines</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/13/23202230/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-4-penn-state-nittany-lions">No. 4: Penn State Nittany Lions</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/14/23202232/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-3-wisconsin-badgers">No. 3: Wisconsin Badgers</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/15/23202233/big-ten-pac-12-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-2-washington-huskies">No. 2: Washington Huskies</a><br>No 1: Ohio State Buckeyes</p>
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https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/16/23202234/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-1-ohio-state-buckeyesKevin Knight (SpartyOnHuskers)2022-07-15T07:00:00-05:002022-07-15T07:00:00-05:00Ranking Michigan State’s 2022 Football Schedule: No. 2 Washington Huskies
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 04 Montana at Washington" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tBMn8j2M6u8-iHPHGIi4HtE5uLU=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71121016/1235061972.0.jpg" />
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<p id="YwUMTN">The look ahead to the 2022 schedule continues for ranking <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/"><strong>Michigan State’s</strong></a> football opponents this coming season. As the ranking countdown nears its apex, the <a href="https://www.uwdawgpound.com">Washington Huskies</a> check in at No. 2 on the list. </p>
<h3 id="Zjiurd">2021 Record: 4-8 (3-6 Pac-12)</h3>
<p id="uOneFR">The Huskies started the 2021 season ranked No. 20 in the preseason poll, but then things pretty much went downhill from there. Washington promptly lost 13-7 to Montana (FCS) in the season opener in Seattle before suffering a 31-10 road loss at Michigan in the second game of the year. A brief respite followed for fans as the team picked up wins against Arkansas State (52-3) and California (31-24) at home. Back-to-back losses at <a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com">Oregon State</a> and at home to <a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com">UCLA</a> by a combined total of 10 points were next up before wins at Arizona (21-16) and at Stanford (20-13). Then UW proceeded to drop its final four games of the season, though three of the losses combined for just 18 points before being blown out by <a href="https://www.cougcenter.com">Washington State,</a> 40-13, in the season finale.</p>
<p id="T5eo1A">In addition to a poor showing on the field, off-the-field controversy was a big problem for Washington last season. Head coach Jimmy Lake lasted a total of 13 games at the helm of the program, after being elevated to the role following Chris Petersen’s retirement at the end of the 2019 season. He was fired on Nov. 14, 2021 after <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/uw-husky-football/uw-football-coach-jimmy-lake-suspended-after-sideline-incident-with-linebacker-ruperake-fuavai/">being suspended on Nov. 8</a> for hitting and shoving a player the prior weekend. Defensive coordinator Bob Gregory took over for the remainder of the season.</p>
<h3 id="rYweke">Series History</h3>
<p id="XPWFVN">The Spartans will be facing off against the Huskies for the fourth time in a series that dates back to 1969. Michigan State is currently riding a two-game losing streak in the series and trails Washington 2-1 overall. The programs have only played each other in a home-and-home series once, with MSU taking the 27-11 win in East Lansing in 1969 and UW repaying the favor, 42-16, in Seattle in 1970. The only other meeting to date was the Aloha Bowl, a 51-23 Huskies’ win, on Dec. 25, 1997.</p>
<h3 id="HDaJgU">2022 Program Outlook</h3>
<p id="j54xyw">The Huskies start the 2022 season under new head coach Kalen DeBoer who went 12-6 in two seasons at Fresno State, including a 9-3 mark last season. The Bulldogs offense averaged 464.8 yards and 33.4 points per game during his time with the program as well. DeBoer also had a 67-3 record as head coach at Sioux Falls (NAIA) from 2005 to 2009, winning three NAIA titles (2006, 2008, 2009) and three NAIA Coach of the Year awards (2006, 2008, 2009) to go along with a NAIA runner-up finish (2007). Two of his three losses as head of the Cougars came to the NAIA national title winner Carroll in 2005 and in 2007. Now the question is can he bring that success to a Power Five FBS program.</p>
<p id="7nZ7JU">One of the first things DeBoer did as head of the Huskies was add Indiana transfer quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to the roster. DeBoer was familiar with Penix after <a href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state/spartans/2019/09/27/michigan-state-football-brad-salem-indiana-hoosiers-kalen-deboer/3781051002/">coaching him his sophomore season in Bloomington</a> that saw Penix post his most efficient completion percentage of his career. Penix joins a quarterbacks room that boasts three starters at the college level, including returning starter Dylan Morris and former five-star recruit Sam Huard who redshirted last season in Seattle but still earned a start in the Apple Cup against Washington State. Penix and Huard are also both left-handers. Penix’s familiarity with DeBoer’s spread offense makes him the expected favorite to start this season.</p>
<p id="rAdTRy">The receiving corps will be the strength of the offense — a good thing for a spread team, after all. Rome Odunze (41 receptions), Jalen McMillan (39), and one-time <a href="https://www.vivathematadors.com">Texas Tech</a> transfer Ja’Lynn Polk all pose a threat to opposing defenses. Michigan transfer Giles Jackson also impressed staff in spring ball. Meanwhile, Devin Culp and Jack Westover pose a threat at tight end as well. </p>
<p id="tVTwYk">Giving the quarterback time to throw will be the key and the Huskies’ offensive line is widely considered to have underperformed last season while boasting a surplus of young lineman. However, leading the position group will be two-time All-Pac-12 offensive tackle Jaxson Kirkland who returned for a sixth year of eligibility and is a likely first round <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> pick in 2023.</p>
<p id="KIAWTd">As for a ground game, UW has seven running backs on scholarship, but most missed at least parts of spring ball. Four-star Texas running back Emeka Megwa did not appear this spring, but picked Washington over a list of schools that included heavyweights like Alabama and <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>.</p>
<p id="0Xbxne">The defensive side of the ball is littered with talent, but needs to return those players to full health to realize its potential. Up front, returning edge rusher Zion Tupuola-Fetui was one of the most disruptive players in 2020 (seven sacks, three forced fumbles) and an Associated Press third-team All-American, but played in just two games in 2021 due to an Achilles injury and concussion issues. Four-year starter Tuli Letuligasenoa will help anchor the inside, alongside Ulumoo Ale, who transitions to the defensive line from his offensive guard spot last season, adding five inches and 40 pounds compared to Letuligasenoa. However, the defensive line overall was a weakness last season, giving up 193.6 rushing yards.</p>
<p id="P6UZlu">In the linebacking corps, Pittsburgh transfer Cam Bright and Carson Bruener will be relied upon, while big-playmaker Edefuan Ulofoshio takes until mid-season to recover from a knee injury in winter conditioning. UAB transfer Kris Moll is expected to contribute as well after finishing with first team All-Conference USA honors in 2019 and 2020, while Bruener had a big freshman season last year that saw 70 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.</p>
<p id="tmp6Jo">The secondary is the big question mark on defense, though, having lost a first-round draft pick in Trent McDuffie and a second-round pick in Kyler Gordon. Mishael Powell and Jordan Perryman are the favorites to step in, with Powell transforming over his career from walk-on to starter in three games last season. Perryman, meanwhile, was a first-team All-Big Sky Selection at UC Davis before joining Washington. Alex Cook and Asa Turner return as expected starters at safety.</p>
<h3 id="Gcc196">Why No. 2?</h3>
<p id="B5w9Af">A lot of commenters previously brought up skepticism of putting Washington so high. For me, Michigan State is cursed in regular season road games in the Mountain Time zone or further west until proven otherwise. Since 1950, MSU is 4-14 in such matchups. The last time the Spartans registered a win was in 1984 at Colorado, a 24-21 season-opening victory against the then Big-8 Conference member. To locate the next win you would have to go back to 1957 at California. Adjusting bodies to the big time zone shock to compete at a high level in the season is clearly something this program has struggled with over the past 72 years and will have my skepticism until proven unwarranted.</p>
<p id="AMRgDd">Besides the evidence of history, Washington seems poised for a rebound year after suffering its first losing season since 2009. This team has plenty of talent to be a ranked squad and challenge the Pac-12 when the right schemes are in place and off-field controversy is not an issue. Not only that, but DeBoer brings a familiarity with the Spartan program, even if not against MSU head coach Mel Tucker. DeBoer was the offensive coordinator for Eastern Michigan from 2014 to 2016, during which time the Eagles fell in East Lansing to MSU 73-14 in 2014. Again, he was also <a href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state/spartans/2019/09/27/michigan-state-football-brad-salem-indiana-hoosiers-kalen-deboer/3781051002/">the Indiana offensive coordinator in 2019</a> when the Hoosiers fell 40-31 in East Lansing.</p>
<h3 id="s5AKL5">Prediction</h3>
<p id="r82taM">This game could be a high-scoring affair. With the struggles to stop the run on the Washington side of the ball against a potentially potent ground game for Michigan State combined with a lot of potential in the UW offensive line and a spread scheme against a Spartan defense that will still be figuring out the secondary early on, it could come down to who has the more potent offense. However, at the end of the day, Michigan State has to prove it on the field when it comes to winning a West Coast matchup. The edge goes to Washington for me in this one as a result.</p>
<h4 id="r7ZAhT">Catch up on the rankings here:</h4>
<p id="00eWDY"><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/6/30/23189111/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-12-akron-zips">No. 12 Akron Zips</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/1/23189149/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartanss-2022-football-schedule-no-11-western-michigan-broncos">No. 11 Western Michigan Broncos</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/6/23192764/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-10-indiana-hoosiers">No. 10: Indiana Hoosiers</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/7/23192777/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-9-rutgers-scarlet-knights">No. 9: Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/8/23192783/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-scheduleno-8-illinois-fighting-illini">No. 8: Illinois Fighting Illini</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/9/23192785/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-7-maryland-terrapins">No. 7: Maryland Terrapins</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/11/23192791/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-6-minnesota-golden-gophers">No. 6: Minnesota Golden Gophers</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/12/23202229/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-5-michigan-wolverines">No 5: Michigan Wolverines</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/13/23202230/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-4-penn-state-nittany-lions">No. 4: Penn State Nittany Lions</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/14/23202232/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-3-wisconsin-badgers">No. 3: Wisconsin Badgers</a><br>No. 2: Washington Huskies<br>No 1: Coming Soon</p>
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<h3 id="kgNfY3">Michigan State western game history since 1950</h3>
<p id="hnQgfN">The full list of Michigan State football games from the Spartans’ 4-14 record played in the Mountain Time Zone or further west during the regular season since 1950 is listed below:</p>
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https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/15/23202233/big-ten-pac-12-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-2-washington-huskiesKevin Knight (SpartyOnHuskers)2022-07-14T07:00:00-05:002022-07-14T07:00:00-05:00Ranking Michigan State’s 2022 Football Schedule: No. 3 Wisconsin Badgers
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 12 Michigan State at Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/R7f8NLdq3yTtdlWWU99zeTdYo5Y=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71114136/1175419372.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="YwUMTN">The look ahead to the 2022 schedule continues for ranking <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/"><strong>Michigan State’s</strong></a> football opponents this coming season. The list is almost finished as we reach No. 3 today, the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com">Wisconsin Badgers</a>.</p>
<h3 id="Zjiurd">2021 Record: 9-4 (6-3 Big Ten)</h3>
<p id="uOneFR">While nine wins is typically a good season for anyone except a Bo Pelini-led Nebraska squad, the Badgers’ nine-win campaign in 2021 was disappointing for most Wisconsin fans, and largely a result of a top defensive unit to even get that many victories. Wisconsin suffered three double-digit losses: against <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a> (41-13) on a neutral field, at home against Michigan (37-17), and on the road at Minnesota (23-13) to go along with a season-opening loss to Penn State (16-10). </p>
<p id="9ej2N3">Graham Mertz, who was a lauded quarterback recruit in the 2019 class, threw more interceptions (11) than he did touchdowns (10), while completing just 59.5 percent of his passes. The thing that likely hurt the most on the season was the fact that the Badgers put a 27-7 smackdown on Iowa, but the Hawkeyes ended up punching the ticket to Indianapolis for the conference championship anyway. </p>
<h3 id="rYweke">Series History</h3>
<p id="XPWFVN">The Spartans will be facing off against Wisconsin for the 55th time in a series that dates back to 1913, but 2022 marks just the third meeting in the past 10 seasons. MSU is currently riding a two-game losing streak in the series, but holds the edge all-time at 30-24.</p>
<h3 id="HDaJgU">2022 Program Outlook</h3>
<p id="j54xyw">Paul Chryst enters his eighth season as head coach of the Badgers this fall and boasts the three-best recruiting classes in program history to fill out the starter roles on both sides of the ball. </p>
<p id="rI7uox">However, four new assistant coaches will also be bringing new schemes to Wisconsin’s style of play this year. New offensive coordinator Bobby Engram will have to find a way for Mertz to cut down on turnovers after the starting QB threw 11 picks and lost four fumbles in 2021. Those statistics may also help answer why Wisconsin was ninth in the Big Ten in yards per attempt (6.9) last season. To help with that, junior wide receiver Chimere Dike is back as the most experienced receiver and will hope for a better 2022 campaign after only being targeted 33 times last season.</p>
<p id="Ge4Sl7">As for the ground game, the never ending staple of an elite running back continued for Wisconsin last season as Braelon Allen emerged to lead the FBS in yards when facing an eight-man box (814) and yards after contact per attempt (4.5), according to Pro Football Focus. Allen is just 18 as he enters his sophomore season this fall. Seniors Chez Mellusi and Isaac Guerendo will hope to make it a three-headed monster similar to what Montee Ball, Melvin Gordon III, and James White once did. </p>
<p id="jFVdFJ">As for the offensive line, Bob Bostad moved to the position coach after coaching linebackers since 2017 and will hope that moving redshirt sophomore Jack Nelson to left tackle with improve the line play overall thanks to Nelson’s athleticism and aggressiveness.</p>
<p id="b4gvz7">As for the defensive side of the ball, coordinator Jim Leonhard needs to replace eight starters from the top-ranked rushing and total yardage defense in the FBS last season. Inside linebackers will continue to focus on pass rush despite losing Leo Chenal and Jack Sanborn. Redshirt sophomore Jordan Turner and junior Maema Njongmeta will likely fill in that gap. Meanwhile, outside linebacker Nick Herbig returns after a breakout 2021 season. Up front, senior nose tackle Keeanu Benton chose to return for 2022 and will be the player to watch in a deep unit.</p>
<p id="2WUhxP">As for the secondary, the Badgers added three transfers at cornerback to replace multi-year starters that departed. Justin Clark (West Bloomfield, Michigan native and Toledo transfer), Cedrick Dort Jr. (Kentucky transfer), and Jay Shaw (<a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com">UCLA</a> transfer) all bring plenty of college experience and will look to fill out the backfield along with safety Hunter Wohler, who is poised for a potential breakout season.</p>
<h3 id="Gcc196">Why No. 3?</h3>
<p id="B5w9Af">There’s a good argument for putting the game at Penn State ahead of Wisconsin in difficulty ranking, but position on the schedule matters. Wisconsin falls the week after a visit by <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>, whereas the Michigan game is following a bye week and Penn State comes after two bottom feeders of the Big Ten East. The Badgers are always a bruising, hard-nosed opponent and facing that team right after going against the Buckeyes makes this one clock in at No. 3 on my personal list as a result. On top of that, Wisconsin will enter this matchup having played at Northwestern the week prior, not exactly the same kind of imposing matchup as the Buckeyes.</p>
<p id="O01qH7">Additionally, replacing a number of starters on defense might seem a similar problem as <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/12/23202229/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-5-michigan-wolverines">what I hit Michigan heavily on</a>. However, Wisconsin’s reputation as a program is that it has a system it recruits to and sticks within that system. Michigan under Jim Harbaugh is less so known for that, most notably having just switched to a base 3-4 defensive front in 2020 for the first time under his leadership and now Michigan has its its third different defensive coordinator in three seasons. The Badgers’ players thus have less to figure out when stepping into new starting roles, and the staff members have a consistent track record of success getting the players to perform. Harbaugh’s record with the Wolverines is more one of inconsistency from year to year.</p>
<h3 id="s5AKL5">Prediction</h3>
<p id="r82taM">This game will feature an interesting storyline matchup as former Wisconsin running back Jalen Berger was dismissed by the Badgers last season and will likely be a featured part of Michigan State’s ground attack in this matchup, along with fellow transfer Jarek Broussard (Colorado) and possibly others.</p>
<p id="mL5AKV">Speaking of ground attack, Wisconsin is a hard-nosed ground and pound squad going up against a team that has traditionally excels at stopping the run. As noted in the <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/11/23192791/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-6-minnesota-golden-gophers">Minnesota ranking</a>, however, the Spartans have a couple of players to replace up front on the defensive side of the ball who were partly responsible for that success. But Jacob Slade, Simeon Barrow, and others returning should still allow MSU to plug up plenty of holes. </p>
<p id="gLgZJI">This matchup likely ends up a low-scoring affair as a result of the style of play, but Michigan State should be able to snap its losing streak to the Badgers during the 2022 homecoming game. It will be especially important, and difficult, to get that win given the Buckeyes will have visited the week prior.</p>
<h4 id="r7ZAhT">Catch up on the rankings here:</h4>
<p id="00eWDY"><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/6/30/23189111/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-12-akron-zips">No. 12 Akron Zips</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/1/23189149/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartanss-2022-football-schedule-no-11-western-michigan-broncos">No. 11 Western Michigan Broncos</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/6/23192764/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-10-indiana-hoosiers">No. 10: Indiana Hoosiers</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/7/23192777/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-9-rutgers-scarlet-knights">No. 9: Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/8/23192783/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-scheduleno-8-illinois-fighting-illini">No. 8: Illinois Fighting Illini</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/9/23192785/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-7-maryland-terrapins">No. 7: Maryland Terrapins</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/11/23192791/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-6-minnesota-golden-gophers">No. 6: Minnesota Golden Gophers</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/12/23202229/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-5-michigan-wolverines">No 5: Michigan Wolverines</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/13/23202230/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-4-penn-state-nittany-lions">No. 4: Penn State Nittany Lions</a><br>No. 3: Wisconsin Badgers<br>No. 2: Coming Soon</p>
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https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/14/23202232/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-3-wisconsin-badgersKevin Knight (SpartyOnHuskers)2022-07-13T08:00:00-05:002022-07-13T08:00:00-05:00Ranking Michigan State’s 2022 Football Schedule: No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 27 Penn State at Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ODC6549pzN5NM8JOON1bmVSGExs=/0x0:3149x2099/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71102819/1236915330.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="YwUMTN">The look ahead to the 2022 schedule continues for ranking <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/"><strong>Michigan State’s</strong></a> football opponents this coming season. The list continues to fill out with the <a href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com">Penn State Nittany Lions</a> checking in at No. 4.</p>
<h3 id="Zjiurd">2021 Record: 7-6 (4-5 Big Ten)</h3>
<p id="uOneFR">While the 2020 season was an absolute nightmare for Penn State, the 2021 campaign ended up being not that much better by the end of it. The Nittany Lions picked up a big road win at Wisconsin to open the season and defeated a then No. 22-ranked <a href="https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com">Auburn Tigers</a> squad in Happy Valley to open the season. Then things went off the rails in October. Three-straight losses at Iowa and to Illinois in cross-division games, along with a road game at <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>, deflated the sails in a hurry. Losses to Michigan and at Michigan State followed in November, before being defeated by Arkansas in the Outback Bowl to end the year. A banged up offensive line caused lots of problems on offense and the final season record reflects that.</p>
<h3 id="rYweke">Series History</h3>
<p id="XPWFVN">The Spartans will be facing off against Penn State for the 37th time in a series that dates back to 1914. However, only 10 of those matchups occurred prior to Penn State joining the Big Ten, and MSU is 8-1-1 in those games. As Big Ten opponents, Penn State holds the edge in the battle for the Land Grant Trophy, 15-10, though Michigan State holds a narrow all-time series lead overall 18-17-1.</p>
<h3 id="HDaJgU">2022 Program Outlook</h3>
<p id="j54xyw">Entering his ninth season at the helm, head coach James Franklin signed a big contract extension toward the end of the 2021 season in exchange for not taking the job at soon to be Big Ten rival USC. No word yet on whether that deal to keep him in Happy Valley at all costs was also in part because <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6bHwaX_hOU">his beloved Akron was in the hunt for a new head coach as well</a>.</p>
<p id="sndJxq">As for the offense, super senior Sean Clifford is back for another season under center for PSU and has started 33 games while becoming one of just three players in school history with over 8,000 yards of total offense. If he can get time to throw this year, he will find great targets in Parker Washington and Western Kentucky transfer Mitchell Tinsley.</p>
<p id="p6edpl">The running back room for Penn State is filled with former four-star recruits coming into the college level, but not a single returning back rushed for 100 yards in a game last season. Keyvone Lee led the team last season with 530 yards, but Nick Singleton, the <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Nick-Singleton-46084442/high-school-235479/">No. 1-ranked tailback in the 2022 class</a>, arrives as a freshman this year after rushing for almost 6,400 yards in high school and could make an impact right away. </p>
<p id="Lg1k8B">However, Penn State’s offensive line was a liability last season and requires significant improvement to make anything happen for an improved ground game in 2022. To that end, the guards (Hunter Nourzad and Sal Wormley) and tackles (Landon Tengwall and Olumuyiwa Fashanu) have a grand total of one start for Penn State between the four of them. However, they are all likely stepping in as starters and need to provide protection for Clifford and open holes for the backs if Penn State is going to improve this season.</p>
<p id="pYC7lP">On the defensive side of the ball, Michigan State fans might recognize Manny Diaz on the sidelines. He is now the defensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions, but was formerly the Miami (FL.) head coach. Of course, the Spartans <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2021/9/18/22681305/notes-quotes-mel-tucker-and-michigan-state-spartans-prepared-to-go-into-15th-round-miami-hurricanes">dragged Diaz and the Hurricanes into the “deep water”</a> last season in a <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2021/9/18/22681258/michigan-state-scores-decisive-road-win-over-the-no-24-ranked-miami-hurricanes-38-17">38-17 victory for MSU</a>. </p>
<p id="S8ntaE">While PSU has a new coordinator, only a few starters need to be replaced up front, one on the defensive line and two in the linebacker corps. Most importantly up front is that defensive tackle PJ Mustipher and defensive end Adisa Isaac are back after suffering season-ending injuries in 2021. However, someone else needs to step up to replace Arnold Ebiketie, who ranked third in the Big Ten with 9.5 sacks last year before heading off to the NFL for 2022.</p>
<p id="IoVYOt">As for linebackers, Curtis Jacobs returns as starter after notching 61 tackles last season, while Tyler Elsdon and (Detroit native) Kobe King are competing for the middle linebacker spot. Super senior safety/linebacker Jonathan Sutherland, meanwhile, will fill in at the outside linebacker job. The secondary looks to be in good hands despite the loss of Sutherland given cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and field safety Ji’Ayir Brown are returning. Brown tied for the FBS lead with six interceptions in 2021.</p>
<h3 id="Gcc196">Why No. 4?</h3>
<p id="B5w9Af">Penn State has had its two worst seasons in 2020 and 2021 since going 7–16 in 2003 and 2004. That is in large part because of abysmal offensive line play. The Nittany Lions went out and got potential fixes for that this season. That should result in a much more dangerous ground game combined with a seasoned quarterback who can sling it with the best of them given a reasonable amount of pass protection. Add in an elite secondary and this team has the talent to challenge everybody on its schedule.</p>
<p id="vw3QAp">On top of that, PSU in the month of November gets games against the three bottom feeders of the Big Ten East prior to hosting Michigan State in road games at Indiana and <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a>, along with hosting Maryland. Meanwhile, Michigan State gets a tricky road trip to Illinois before facing Indiana and Maryland prior to the trip to Happy Valley. If the Nittany Lions are in contention for even a share of the division title, or have a good bowl game bid on the line, expect this venue to be rocking with fans, too.</p>
<h3 id="s5AKL5">Prediction</h3>
<p id="r82taM">Even though I think this road trip is a tougher game than where I placed Michigan, I am more confident the Spartans can get the job done in the end. While this team can be a tough out if the offensive line is even serviceable, Franklin has proven to not always be the best in-game coach. It will probably take until the final few offensive drives by both teams, but in the end the PEW PEW LAZERZ Land Grant Trophy is more likely staying with MSU for another year.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sdd6j7cdL9J-Zlg_XSXBw7lchNA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23763303/Land_grant_lasers_medium.jpg">
<cite>The Only Colors</cite>
<figcaption>The “PEW PEW LAZERZ” Land Grant Trophy</figcaption>
</figure>
<h4 id="r7ZAhT">Catch up on the rankings here:</h4>
<p id="00eWDY"><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/6/30/23189111/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-12-akron-zips">No. 12 Akron Zips</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/1/23189149/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartanss-2022-football-schedule-no-11-western-michigan-broncos">No. 11 Western Michigan Broncos</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/6/23192764/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-10-indiana-hoosiers">No. 10: Indiana Hoosiers</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/7/23192777/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-9-rutgers-scarlet-knights">No. 9: Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/8/23192783/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-scheduleno-8-illinois-fighting-illini">No. 8: Illinois Fighting Illini</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/9/23192785/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-7-maryland-terrapins">No. 7: Maryland Terrapins</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/11/23192791/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-6-minnesota-golden-gophers">No. 6: Minnesota Golden Gophers</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/12/23202229/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-5-michigan-wolverines">No 5: Michigan Wolverines</a><br>No. 4: Penn State Nittany Lions<br>No. 3: Coming Soon</p>
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https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/13/23202230/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-4-penn-state-nittany-lionsKevin Knight (SpartyOnHuskers)2022-07-12T10:15:38-05:002022-07-12T10:15:38-05:00Ranking Michigan State’s 2022 Football Schedule: No. 5 Michigan Wolverines
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<img alt="Michigan v Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aUUE3mhPlQEjuqYA-ehGEeHick4=/0x0:3594x2396/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71099267/1351311829.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="YwUMTN">The look ahead to the 2022 schedule continues for ranking <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/"><strong>Michigan State’s</strong></a> football opponents this coming season. Up today is the hated intrastate rival <a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com">Michigan Wolverines</a>, checking in at No. 5 on the countdown.</p>
<h3 id="Zjiurd">2021 Record: 12-2 (9-1 Big Ten)</h3>
<p id="uOneFR">Head coach Jim Harbaugh finally did what he had failed to do in the six seasons prior to 2021 at the helm in Ann Arbor: beat Michigan’s <s>rivals</s> rival and win a Big Ten Conference title. OK, so Harbaugh still lost to one rival as the stout Wolverine defense failed to contain Kenneth Walker III in Spartan Stadium, <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2021/10/30/22754657/michigan-state-rallies-from-a-16-point-deficit-to-beat-michigan-37-33-in-a-historic-top-10-thriller">falling 37-33 thanks to Walker’s five rushing touchdowns</a>. That loss did not stop UM from absolutely pummeling <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> in the regular seasons finale, though, and pants-ing a weak Iowa squad in Indianapolis en route to a College Football Playoff berth. Michigan fell to Georgia in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/orange-bowl">Orange Bowl</a> 34-11 in a game that was over by halftime.</p>
<h3 id="rYweke">Series History</h3>
<p id="XPWFVN">Michigan State will be facing off against Michigan for the 115th time in a series that dates back to 1898. MSU is currently riding a two-game winning streak in the series, and has dominated over the past decade-and-a-half, but trails the Wolverines all-time as Michigan leads 71-38-5. The Spartans are 10-4 since 2008 in the series and lead 11-10 this millennium (reminder, it started in 2001, not 2000). MSU also trails more narrowly 38-29-2 in Big Ten matchups since joining the league. Finally, Mel Tucker is the only Michigan State head coach to start his career 2-0 over the Wolverines as well.</p>
<h3 id="HDaJgU">2022 Program Outlook</h3>
<p id="j54xyw">Credit where it is due, Michigan put together a stellar campaign overall in 2021. As for 2022, a lot of the talent that led to that result is now gone with question marks plugging the holes. The battle will be on between Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy for the starting quarterback role in 2022 while new co-offensive coordinators Matt Weiss and Sherrone Moore take over for the departed Josh Gattis.</p>
<p id="0W9P42">Rimington Trophy finalist Olusegun Oluwatimi is using a sixth year of eligibility as a transfer from Virginia to likely anchor the line at center for the Wolverines. Left tackle Ryan Hayes is a returning starter, while Zak Zinter (2021 second-team All-Big Ten by the media) and Trevor Keegan will step up at right and left guard, respectively. Meanwhile, Blake Corum will take over the lead running back role with Hassan Haskins off to the NFL. Ronnie Bell will be back after missing most of last season with a knee injury and will hope to stay healthy this year as the favored receiver.</p>
<p id="XnBo5t">As for the defensive side of the ball, it is even more serious in terms of finding replacements for lost production. The defensive coordinator will be a new face as Mike Macdonald returned to the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> after one season in Ann Arbor and former Vanderbilt defensive coordinator Jesse Minter takes the reins in Ann Arbor.</p>
<p id="9G7jbv">On the field, Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo are both gone, taking 25 of the team’s 34 sacks last season with them. Defensive end Taylor Upshaw is the leading returner with just 2.5 sacks. The interior of the line does return big men Mazi Smith and Kris Jenkins, however. Junior Colson and Nikhai Hill-Green saw plenty of action at linebacker, and should make the transition to starter relatively easy. But three starters in the secondary are gone, including safety Daxton Hill. Converted wide receiver Mike Sainristil is likely to fill in at nickel while two underclassmen, Rod Moore and R.J. Moten, look poised to step in at safety.</p>
<h3 id="Gcc196">Why No. 5?</h3>
<p id="B5w9Af">Michigan won the Big Ten and qualified for the CFP last season, sure. Then Jim Harbaugh <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/michigan-jim-harbaugh-vikings-interview-the-last-time-nfl-coaching-job">did Jim Harbaugh things and flirted with the NFL</a> while losing most of the key talent from that 2021 squad and hemorrhaging a lot of key staff. Critics of my placing Michigan at No. 5 will scream bloody murder about how the Wolverines should be ranked higher, but that complaint is based on last season’s team.</p>
<p id="WFaUOI">This team has significant changes at key positions, including new coordinators on both sides of the ball. A repeat conference title squad is not at all guaranteed. While both teams have a bye week coming into this matchup, Tucker has the better track record of having his team prepared for the big rivalry games and Harbaugh does not. All of that added up is why Michigan isn’t as high on my list as others are. However, this will still be a difficult game for the Spartans. </p>
<h3 id="s5AKL5">Prediction</h3>
<p id="r82taM">This one is tough to pick. On the one hand, Michigan has to replace key starters at a number of positions. However, this game is on the schedule on Oct. 29. Both teams get a bye week before the matchup to prep, but the Spartans are unlikely to catch this squad still struggling to piece together how to work together with so many starters replaced. Besides, that bye follows back-to-back games against Ohio State and Wisconsin while Michigan’s follows at Indiana and home against Penn State. So MSU’s bye will more so come in handy for getting guys healed up rather than two whole weeks of game prep.</p>
<p id="BKFKDN">On top of that, this year is on the road at Michigan Stadium with a Wolverine fanbase that is surely ticked off at two-straight losses in the series. Everything wonderful must eventually end, and I fear Tucker’s winning streak over Michigan is likely to meet its maker with a loss this time around. Still, 2001 and 2015 surely taught us to never admit it is over until the clock hits zero and the final play is whistled dead, so keep those fingers and toes crossed all fourth quarter long just in case.</p>
<h4 id="r7ZAhT">Catch up on the rankings here:</h4>
<p id="00eWDY"><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/6/30/23189111/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-12-akron-zips">No. 12 Akron Zips</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/1/23189149/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartanss-2022-football-schedule-no-11-western-michigan-broncos">No. 11 Western Michigan Broncos</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/6/23192764/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-10-indiana-hoosiers">No. 10: Indiana Hoosiers</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/7/23192777/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-9-rutgers-scarlet-knights">No. 9: Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/8/23192783/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-scheduleno-8-illinois-fighting-illini">No. 8: Illinois Fighting Illini</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/9/23192785/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-7-maryland-terrapins">No. 7: Maryland Terrapins</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/11/23192791/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-6-minnesota-golden-gophers">No. 6: Minnesota Golden Gophers</a><br>No 5: Michigan Wolverines<br>No. 4: Coming Soon</p>
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https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/12/23202229/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-5-michigan-wolverinesKevin Knight (SpartyOnHuskers)2022-07-11T07:00:00-05:002022-07-11T07:00:00-05:00Ranking Michigan State’s 2022 Football Schedule: No. 6 Minnesota Golden Gophers
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<img alt="Bowling Green v Minnesota" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DcC4LR8SorJkGOmmodBxJta0HbA=/0x0:3924x2616/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71094336/1235496092.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Berding/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="YwUMTN">The look ahead to the 2022 schedule continues for ranking <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/"><strong>Michigan State’s</strong></a> football opponents this coming season. Up today is what was supposed to be the new West Division annual crossover opponent from 2022 through 2025 prior to the latest Big Ten Conference expansion, the Minnesota Golden Gophers.</p>
<h3 id="Zjiurd">2021 Record: 9-4 (6-3 Big Ten)</h3>
<p id="uOneFR">The Golden Gophers had a tough draw to open the 2021 season with a visit by then No. 4 <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>. Despite losing 2020 All-America third-team running back Mohamed Ibrahim for the season in that matchup due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, Minnesota finished second in the Big Ten West with losses to Illinois and Iowa in conference play, alongside the OSU loss. Curiously, Minnesota also fell 14-10 at home to Bowling Green in Week Four. However, the Gophers finished strong with wins over Wisconsin (23-13) and a Guaranteed Rate Bowl victory over West Virginia (18-6). The nine-win season was just the fourth by the program since 1905.</p>
<h3 id="rYweke">Series History</h3>
<p id="XPWFVN">Michigan State will be facing off against Minnesota for the 48th time this year in a series that dates back to 1950. MSU is currently riding a five-game winning streak against the Golden Gophers, which dates back to 2010. The Spartans hold the edge all-time by a mark of 30-17.</p>
<p id="Nd491m">The game will mark the first visit to East Lansing by Minnesota since 2013, the longest break between visits by the Gophers in the history of the series. An originally planned visit by Minnesota in 2020 was later taken off of the schedule that season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which shortened and delayed the Big Ten football season that year, and caused multiple changes to the eventual final schedule. </p>
<p id="sNZqq9"><a href="https://btn.com/2018/08/29/big-ten-releases-2022-2025-conference-football-schedules/">From 2022 through 2025</a>, the teams were originally scheduled to play annually, alternating home venues similar to how Michigan State and Northwestern faced off from 2016 to 2021. That is likely now expected to change in 2024, if not sooner, with the <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/6/30/23190677/ucla-bruins-and-usc-trojans-will-officially-join-the-big-ten-conference-in-2024">addition of UCLA and USC to the Big Ten</a>.</p>
<h3 id="HDaJgU">2022 Program Outlook</h3>
<p id="j54xyw">Sixth-year head coach P.J. Fleck has had some of the most success of any Minnesota coach in a century, but still posts as many winning seasons as losing to date. The offense will look to improve its passing attack under rehired offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kirk Ciarrocca. Ciarrocca oversaw the best offense of the Fleck era in 2019 before leaving for the same role at Penn State. He was fired after one season and spent the past season at West Virginia as an assistant.</p>
<p id="gaPEIo">Four starters return for a sixth season at Minnesota to anchor the offense, including All-Big Ten center John Schmitz, quarterback Tanner Morgan, wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell, and Ibrahim, the aforementioned running back. </p>
<p id="eNUc1U">Ibrahim will be coming back from a ruptured Achilles and Autman-Bell had a nagging injury that plagued him last season as well. Autman-Bell’s six touchdowns last season makes him the only returning receiver to catch more than two scores in an offense that ranked 118th in passing yards per game (162.0) and ahead of only the service academies in attempts (257). Morgan threw 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season, overall. An offensive line that replaces every starter except center Schmitz will make improving the trenches potentially troublesome.</p>
<p id="FhGFqg">The Gophers will hope to continue the success on defense the team enjoyed last season, ranking nationally in the top-10 in scoring (17.3 points per game) and total defense (278.8 yards per game) in 2021. Just four starters need to be replaced on this side of the ball, but six of the top-eight players on the defensive line, based on snap counts from 2021, need to be replaced. Only defensive end Thomas Rush and three-technique defensive tackle Trill Carter are the two returners from that group. Mariano Sori-Marin is moving to middle linebacker, while Justin Walley returns at cornerback hoping to build on his Freshman All-America season last year. Transfers Shannon “Beanie” Bishop (Western Kentucky) and Ryan Stapp (Abilene Christian) join Minnesota via the portal as cornerbacks as well.</p>
<h3 id="Gcc196">Why No. 6?</h3>
<p id="B5w9Af">This game is a tricky one for a number of reasons. The first is where the game falls, which is early in the season on Sept. 24 between a road trip to Washington and a road trip to Maryland. In addition, the two teams have not faced off against one another since 2017, meaning it could be a bit more difficult game-planning for such an unfamiliar opponent (the irony being the programs have been members of the same conference since 1950). </p>
<p id="WdQeyk">Finally, despite the poor passing attack, Ibrahim is one of the truly elite running backs in college football and will post a challenge to Michigan State’s defense, which is facing a lot of turnover at the defensive end position — players like Jacub Panasiuk and Drew Beesley who were key in defending the run over the past several seasons are now gone. However, the interior of the defensive line remains stacked with Jacob Slade, Simeon Barrow, and others returning. All of that adds up to put Minnesota in the top-half of challenges MSU faces this season in my book.</p>
<h3 id="s5AKL5">Prediction</h3>
<p id="r82taM">Remember how frustrating it was for fans watching the Spartans’ third-down defense last season? One should potentially be ready for lots of downs being frustrating in this one at times. Having said that, Michigan State will need this conference win and find a way to get it despite being tired from a West Coast jaunt the week before. A balanced offensive attack should help to keep the clock in check against a rush-heavy offense and ensure the game isn’t too low-scoring of an affair that sees enough MSU touchdowns for the win.</p>
<h4 id="r7ZAhT">Catch up on the rankings here:</h4>
<p id="00eWDY"><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/6/30/23189111/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-12-akron-zips">No. 12 Akron Zips</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/1/23189149/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartanss-2022-football-schedule-no-11-western-michigan-broncos">No. 11 Western Michigan Broncos</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/6/23192764/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-10-indiana-hoosiers">No. 10: Indiana Hoosiers</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/7/23192777/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-9-rutgers-scarlet-knights">No. 9: Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/8/23192783/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-scheduleno-8-illinois-fighting-illini">No. 8: Illinois Fighting Illini</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/9/23192785/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-7-maryland-terrapins">No. 7: Maryland Terrapins</a><br>No. 6: Minnesota Golden Gophers<br>No 5: Coming soon</p>
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https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/11/23192791/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-6-minnesota-golden-gophersKevin Knight (SpartyOnHuskers)2022-07-09T08:00:00-05:002022-07-09T08:00:00-05:00Ranking Michigan State’s 2022 Football Schedule: No. 7 Maryland Terrapins
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Maryland at Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YUNYPvacZMFnkHwHzH1gpMhQPo8=/0x0:6769x4513/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71082782/usa_today_17159188.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="YwUMTN">The look ahead to the 2022 schedule continues for ranking <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/"><strong>Michigan State’s</strong></a> football opponents this coming season. Up today is Big Ten East Division foe, the <a href="https://www.testudotimes.com/">Maryland Terrapins</a>.</p>
<h3 id="Zjiurd">2021 Record: 7-6 (3-6 Big Ten)</h3>
<p id="uOneFR">Maryland qualified for its first bowl game since 2014 thanks to a win over <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a> in the final game of the regular season, which snapped a three-game losing streak. Not only that, but a non-conference victory over West Virginia and a Pinstripe Bowl win over <a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/">Virginia Tech</a> capped off an otherwise lackluster season for the Terrapins that saw just three wins in Big Ten Conference play over bottom feeders Illinois, Indiana and Rutgers. The victory over IU was conveniently placed between two separate three-game losing streaks as well.</p>
<h3 id="rYweke">Series History</h3>
<p id="XPWFVN">The Spartans will be facing off against Maryland for the 13th time in a series that dates back to 1944. However, the two programs played five times between 1944 and 1950 and did not play again until the series became an annual division matchup in 2014 (barring 2020 when the game was rescheduled then canceled due to COVID outbreaks on the Terps’ roster). MSU is currently riding a four-game winning streak in the series and holds the significant edge in the all-time series, 10-2. The only losses came in East Lansing in 1950 (34-7) and in College Park in 2016 (28-17).</p>
<h3 id="HDaJgU">2022 Program Outlook</h3>
<p id="j54xyw">Barring injuries derailing his season, Taulia Tagovailoa is the unquestioned leader of the Terrapins offense following a 2021 season that saw him throw for almost 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns. He has no shortage of talent to throw to, either, with Rakim Jarrett returning after leading the team with 62 catches last season and a healthy Dontay Demus returning as well. Demus did not play after the Iowa game last season due to injuries, but was averaging 18.1 yards per catch on the season. Florida transfer Jacob Copeland adds 85 catches and nine scores from the past three seasons. The ground attack is not much to write home about, but as long as it can keep a defense honest, that’s all Maryland really needs.</p>
<p id="Cl02en">Maryland’s defense is the problem for this squad, especially up front, with top 2021 recruits defensive end/linebacker Demeioun Robinson, linebacker Terrence Lewis and linebacker Branden Jennings all leaving via the transfer portal. West Virginia transfer Vandarius Cowan and four-star freshman Jaishawn Barham should help to fill some of those shortcomings, along with middle linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II’s move to the outside. The defensive front will hope that hybrid end Durell Nchami can stay healthy, while the secondary looks to create more takeaways, led by returning starting cornerback Deonte Banks.</p>
<h3 id="Gcc196">Why No. 7?</h3>
<p id="B5w9Af">Until proven otherwise, this Spartans squad is vulnerable to pass happy offenses with talented arms and receiving corps. For all of its other shortcomings, Maryland has both of those in plenty of supply. Not only that, but this road game is sandwiched in between visits to East Lansing by both Minnesota and <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>. Illinois feels like more of a trap game scenario with lesser talent, so the Terps got the narrow edge in this ranking.</p>
<h3 id="s5AKL5">Prediction</h3>
<p id="r82taM">This game could get interesting for Michigan State fans, and by that I mean the kind that is bad for one’s heart. Michigan State won by 19 in East Lansing last season, but it took until late in the second half for this one to truly feel out of reach. Playing at Maryland earlier in the season when the Terps are less likely to be suffering from injuries in key positions, this one could be a high scoring affair early on. Expect MSU to leave with a win, though, and by more than a touchdown in the final margin.</p>
<h4 id="r7ZAhT">Catch up on the rankings here:</h4>
<p id="00eWDY"><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/6/30/23189111/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-12-akron-zips">No. 12 Akron Zips</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/1/23189149/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartanss-2022-football-schedule-no-11-western-michigan-broncos">No. 11 Western Michigan Broncos</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/6/23192764/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-10-indiana-hoosiers">No. 10: Indiana Hoosiers</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/7/23192777/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-9-rutgers-scarlet-knights">No. 9: Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/8/23192783/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-scheduleno-8-illinois-fighting-illini">No. 8: Illinois Fighting Illini</a><br>No. 7: Maryland Terrapins<br>No. 6: Coming soon</p>
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https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/9/23192785/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-7-maryland-terrapinsKevin Knight (SpartyOnHuskers)2022-07-08T09:00:00-05:002022-07-08T09:00:00-05:00Ranking Michigan State’s 2022 Football Schedule: No. 8 Illinois Fighting Illini
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Illinois at Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/reU9DvgXyPFsBp3GFliFYoroB1k=/0x0:3540x2360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71068427/usa_today_13645821.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="YwUMTN">The look ahead to the 2022 schedule continues for ranking <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/"><strong>Michigan State’s</strong></a> football opponents this coming season. Up today is one of MSU’s cross-divisional foes from the Big Ten West: the <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com">Illinois Fighting Illini</a>.</p>
<h3 id="Zjiurd">2021 Record: 5-7 (4-5 Big Ten)</h3>
<p id="uOneFR">In his first season at the helm in Champaign, head coach Bret Bielema made quite the debut with an upset win over division opponent Nebraska in “Week Zero.” However, Illinois then dropped four-straight games, which included losses to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and Virginia (a 42-14 defeat in Charlottesville). The Fighting Illini ended the season one win shy of bowl eligibility, which wasn’t helped by a 20-14 loss at home to <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a> on Oct. 30.</p>
<h3 id="rYweke">Series History</h3>
<p id="XPWFVN">The Spartans will be facing off against Illinois for the 48th time in a series that dates back to 1955. MSU is currently riding a two-game losing streak in the series but holds the edge all-time 26-19-2.</p>
<h3 id="HDaJgU">2022 Program Outlook</h3>
<p id="j54xyw">Bielema has his work cut out for him if he wants to have Illinois’ first winning season in 10 years. Newly hired offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. will need to find a way to score more than 20 points per game to make that happen, something the Illini failed to do in seven of the last 10 games last season. Syracuse transfer quarterback Tommy DeVito should be a big leg up if the offensive line can protect him in ways the Orange couldn’t. He should have some good targets as well in Isaiah Williams, a quarterback prospect turned wide receiver, and in Georgia tight end transfer Luke Ford. Meanwhile, running back Chase Brown put up over 1,000 yards last season with five scores.</p>
<p id="x4YFls">The defense held strong despite the offense putting it in tight spots score-wise, and features promising sophomore defensive ends Keith Randolph and Jer’Zhan Newton, but the defensive tackle position is a concern in terms of depth. The linebacker corps is young, but features Tarique Barnes as a returner. The secondary is the team’s strength with Devon Witherspoon as a rising cornerback and safety Sydney Brown poised to have a potential All-Big Ten season.</p>
<h3 id="Gcc196">Why No. 8?</h3>
<p id="B5w9Af">This game screams potential trap scenario for Michigan State. Once again, MSU will have a a bye week before the Michigan matchup in Ann Arbor. The Michigan game is followed by a road trip to the Big Ten West opponent, Illinois. Not only that, but the Spartans have struggled against the Illini as of late, with devastating upsets in the last two matchups — including a massive comeback by Illinois in 2019. However, at the end of the day this is an Illinois squad that can make life difficult for Big Ten programs, but is still very much in a long rebuild mode.</p>
<h3 id="s5AKL5">Prediction</h3>
<p id="r82taM">While it would be epic payback for MSU to surge from behind to a late victory with a touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Barker, the <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/1/31/22910738/illinois-tight-end-daniel-barker-transfers-to-michigan-state-spartans">Illinois transfer tight end</a> who caught the game-winning pass against Michigan State as a member of the Illini in 2019, it should not come to that. Michigan State may have a hangover from whatever the result is the week prior against the Wolverines, but by the second half, should persist and get a tricky road win in league play to snap Illinois’ two-game winning streak in the series.</p>
<h4 id="r7ZAhT">Catch up on the rankings here:</h4>
<p id="00eWDY"><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/6/30/23189111/big-ten-football-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-12-akron-zips">No. 12 Akron Zips</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/1/23189149/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartanss-2022-football-schedule-no-11-western-michigan-broncos">No. 11 Western Michigan Broncos</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/6/23192764/big-ten-conference-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-10-indiana-hoosiers">No. 10: Indiana Hoosiers</a><br><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/7/23192777/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-schedule-no-9-rutgers-scarlet-knights">No. 9: Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a><br>No. 8: Illinois Fighting Illini<br>No. 7: Coming soon</p>
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https://www.theonlycolors.com/2022/7/8/23192783/big-ten-ranking-michigan-state-spartans-2022-football-scheduleno-8-illinois-fighting-illiniKevin Knight (SpartyOnHuskers)