Michigan State Football: 2016 Game-by-Game Predictions

Week Seven: Michigan State (6-0) @ Maryland, October 22

Series History: First meeting in 1944, Michigan State leads the series 6-1.

What Happened Last Time: 2015: Michigan State won 24-7.

The Maryland Terrapins:

Last year was a rough year for the Turtles, but they hired former Michigan defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin as head coach this offseason, so maybe that will help? Fortunately for the Scarlet Knights, their schedule is easier this year, so they will snag a couple more wins in 2016, but this roster is uninspiring at best and anemic at worst.

Maryland’s two returning senior quarterbacks combined for 14 touchdowns, 28 interceptions and eight fumbles a season ago, they only return one running back who ran for more than 300 yards in 2015 (Wes Brown, 317), the defensive line lost its two most productive players (Yannick Ngakoue and Quinton Jefferson, combined for 19.5 sacks last season) and three starters from a bad secondary have left as well.

It’s not all bad. The offensive line will only return one 12-game starter, but there is a lot of young talent waiting in the wings, so there is reason for optimism there. The wide receivers are deep enough and experienced enough to do some stuff as well, but there simply is not enought talent across the board for Maryland to deserve the “sleeping giant” label they have been given.

Forecast:

This game might not be a blowout if Maryland is able to hold on to the ball, but the offense simply lacks firepower and their quarterbacks are turnover machines. The backups should get some run in this game for the Spartans in their final tune-up before hosting the Wolverines.

Final Prediction:

Michigan State: 41

Maryland: 10

Should I Watch It?: You can skip this one. Ole Miss and LSU play this week as well, so you might as well watch that game.

Season Record: 7-0

Next: Week Eight: v. Michigan