Will the Spartans rebound in 2023? I think there’s a decent chance of that occurring — depending on what you’re expectations are for Michigan State this next season.
Michigan State football is coming off a disappointing season in 2022 and will be looking to return to the postseason in 2023. There are mixed feelings on the Spartans after an up-and-down offseason, but I’m expecting Michigan State to once again reach the bowl season regardless of what the national and betting experts have to say.
I haven’t done a particularly great job in my game-by-game predictions the past two years — undersold the Spartans in 2021 and oversold them in 2022 — but I’m back again with some early thoughts on how the 2023 season could play out. So here are my game-by-game predictions for the Spartans’ 2023 campaign:
Sept. 1: vs. Central Michigan Chippewas
Prediction: Michigan State wins
The Michigan directional schools always play the Spartans relatively tough so don’t be surprised if this is a closer game than the fans would like. But in the end, Michigan State should be able to pull away as new starting quarterback Noah Kim picks up his first career victory as the Spartans signal caller.
MSU’s record at this point: 1-0
Sept. 9: vs. Richmond Spiders
Prediction: Michigan State wins
This will be arguably the easiest game on the Spartans’ schedule in 2023. So this better be a no-nonsense victory for Michigan State. If it’s not, then I really don’t like the chances of my next few picks hitting…
MSU’s record at this point: 2-0
Sept. 16: vs. Washington Huskies
Prediction: Michigan State wins
Michigan State passes its first real test in a massive upset victory over Washington. It was a perfect storm in last year’s loss out in Seattle, and I think the Spartans are going to benefit from the home-field advantage to bring a similar experience to the Huskies in Spartan Stadium. I’m going out on a limb here, but I have a sneaky good feeling that Michigan State turns some heads early in the year — similar to their victory over Miami (FL) in 2021.
MSU’s record at this point: 3-0
Sept. 23: vs. Maryland Terrapins
Prediction: Michigan State wins
If you can beat a husky, then you can beat a turtle… But seriously, I’m not particularly high on the Terps and feel like the Spartans will be riding a ton of momentum from their win over Washington the week before. The Spartans pick up another impressive win to open Big Ten play and remain unbeaten before finally hitting the road next week.
MSU’s record at this point: 4-0
Sept. 30: at Iowa Hawkeyes
Prediction: Iowa wins
This is where the unbeaten ride comes to an end for Michigan State. The first road game of the year for the Spartans is not a particularly easy one as Iowa should contend for the Big Ten West Division title in 2023. Kim struggles in a tough environment and the Spartans drop their first game of the year in Iowa City.
MSU’s record at this point: 4-1
Oct. 14: at Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Prediction: Michigan State wins
Coming off the bye, Michigan State will be prepared for a bounce-back effort at Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights will be one of the worst teams in the conference in 2023, so this is the perfect opportunity for Michigan State to get back on its feet ahead of a massive rivalry game against the Wolverines the following week.
MSU’s record at this point: 5-1
Oct. 21: vs. Michigan Wolverines
Prediction: Michigan wins
I want to be bold and pick an upset of the Wolverines, but I can’t do it. Despite a solid start to the year, Michigan State will be sizable underdogs in this rivalry game and the talent gap will be too much for the Spartans to overcome. I think Michigan State will keep it close before the Wolverines pull away in the second half.
MSU’s record at this point: 5-2
Oct. 28: at Minnesota Golden Gophers
Prediction: Minnesota wins
This was going to be a tough game for Michigan State, and it’ll only be tougher after an emotional battle the week before against rival Michigan. This road trip to Minnesota seems like an obvious pick for a hangover game, and thus, I don’t like Michigan State’s chances of pulling out a key road win in Minneapolis.
MSU’s record at this point: 5-3
Nov. 4: vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Prediction: Michigan State wins
This matchup with the Cornhuskers could very well make or break the Spartans’ season in 2023. Especially if the upset win over Washington doesn’t come to fruition. I’m higher on Nebraska than many and consider this to be a toss-up game but in the friendly confines of Spartan Stadium, I think Michigan State is able to make enough plays to win this matchup and lock up a bowl bid.
MSU’s record at this point: 6-3
Nov. 11: at Ohio State Buckeyes
Prediction: Ohio State wins
Ohio State will be on a mission this year and winning in Columbus seems almost impossible for Michigan State. The bigger question will be whether or not this game is over by halftime or if the Spartans still have a relative fighting chance as we head to the second half.
MSU’s record at this point: 6-4
Nov. 18: at Indiana Hoosiers
Prediction: Michigan State wins
The loss to Indiana last year was a black eye on the program and ultimately kept them from reaching a bowl game. So there will be some built-up frustration exerted from the Spartans in this matchup with the Hoosiers.
MSU’s record at this point: 7-4
Nov. 25: vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
Prediction: Penn State wins
The home team has recently won this rivalry matchup, and Michigan State has come out on top in three of their last four home games against Penn State. So there’s certainly a chance Michigan State could pick up another big victory to end the regular season. But if things go as I envision, the Nittany Lions will be playing for bigger things in this one and will be highly motivated (and more talented) so I like them to come out on top.
MSU’s record at this point: 7-5
Final Record and Bowl Prediction
Final Record: 7-5 (4th in Big Ten East)
I envision the Spartans getting off to a fast start with a manageable schedule in the front half of the slate. But things get much harder for the final six games, and ultimately Michigan State will limp across the finish line. But considering where this program was at the end of the 2022 season and for chunks of this offseason, I’ll gladly take a 7-5 season with a relatively decent bowl game. Especially when you consider how young this year’s bunch is looking to be and could be building for a much better 2024 season.
Bowl Prediction: Music City Bowl
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