Michigan State football vs. Central Michigan predictions: How will Spartans open the season?
Free Press sports writers share their predictions for the Michigan State football season opener against Central Michigan on Friday night (7 p.m., FS1):
Carlos Monarrez
Michigan State 27, Central Michigan 17: Mel Tucker’s road to redemption starts with a favorable matchup against a Chippewas team that’s adapting to roster turnover after quarterback Daniel Richardson transferred to Florida Atlantic. An entrenched QB transferring? Outlandish! Should be a relatively easy win for the Spartans, no matter who’s chucking the ball.
Rainer Sabin
Michigan State 26, Central Michigan 17: After a 5-7 season, there are so many questions within the margins of MSU’s roster. Some get answered Friday. Others don’t. But in the end, the Spartans outlast an opponent that has occasionally given them fits to start their 2023 campaign on the right foot.
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Jeff Seidel
Michigan State 28, Central Michigan 17: A loss would cause five-alarm fire status. That won't happen, but breaking in a new quarterback is never smooth. Expect some growing pains.
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Chris Solari
Michigan State 24, Central Michigan 14: The Chippewas’ defense makes things uncomfortable all night for Tucker and his two new quarterbacks. Conversely, so does the Spartans’ aggressive front seven for CMU’s new-look offense. But Carter turns in a strong game on the ground, and MSU’s defense generates two critical turnovers to set up put-away scores in the second half.
MSU VS. CMU: Scouting report, prediction
Shawn Windsor
Michigan State 27, Central Michigan 13: CMU is coming off a down year and isn't expected to be much better this season. MSU is coming off a down year and isn't expected to be much better this season. A toss-up? Nah, the Spartans still have more talent, and are home, and despite their coach's recent downer act, should win comfortably, no matter who their starting quarterback is.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State football vs. CMU predictions: How will season start?
