BIG TEN FOOTBALL: Michigan State Spartans 2008 Season Predictions

The Michigan State Spartans are returning their Quarterback and leading rusher from last season's squad.  The biggest questions are:  Who will step up at receiver and has Mark Dantonio, in his second year, changed the culture in East Lansing?

Here are my season predictions for the 2008 Michigan State Spartans.

8/30     at CALIFORNIA

A good test to begin the season.  Should be an exciting game between two very similar teams. 

Prediction:  Win (30-27)

9/06     EASTERN MICHIGAN

Sparty gets an easy win over an in-state "rival".

Prediction:  Win (45-10)

9/13     FLORIDA ATLANTIC

A warm up before the Irish come to town.

Prediction:  Win (42-10)

9/20     NOTRE DAME

Mark Dantonio outcoaches Charlie Weiss in this thriller. 

Prediction:  Win (31-27)

9/27     at INDIANA

The Spartans plays defense when they need to and stop Kellen Lewis in the 4th quarter.

Prediction:  Win (28-24)

10/04   IOWA

Javon Ringer and Brian Hoyer can do no wrong.

Prediction:  Win (42-21)

10/11   at NORTHWESTERN

The Wildcats are better this season, just not quite good enough.

Prediction:  Win (31-20)

10/18   OHIO STATE

Last season's game was not as close as the score indicated.  The Buckeyes will not let that happen again.

Prediction:  Loss (38-17)

10/25   at MICHIGAN

This rivalry game gets a little more heated.

Prediction:  Win (24-20)

11/01   WISCONSIN

This game will be a lot closer than people think.  Sparty just misses.

Prediction:  Loss (24-21)

11/08   PURDUE

The Spartans regroup after a tough loss.

Prediction:  Win (34-28)

11/22   at PENN STATE

Beaver Stadium is an awfully difficult place to play.

Prediction:  Loss (27-21)

Final Record 9-3.  A very respectable season for the Spartans.  Mark Dantonio has this program moving in the right direction and they will be a force in the Big Ten in seasons to come.