Michigan State vs. Central Michigan Prediction, Game Preview

In 2009, Central Michigan (1-2), head coach Butch Jones brought his team into East Lansing and ended up leaving with a 29-27 win. It’s a far different era now for both CMU and Michigan State (3-0), but can the Chippewas make it interesting? Check out the Michigan State vs. Central Michigan prediction and full game preview.

Michigan State vs. Central Michigan Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 26
Game Time: 12:00
Venue: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan
Network: BTN

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Why You Need To Care

Central Michigan is coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss to Syracuse, with a wild finish not being quite enough. The Chippewas played Oklahoma State well, but lost, whacked Monmouth, and as expected are 1-2. With Northern Illinois and Western Michigan coming up, if it’s possible for a team to look past Michigan State, CMU might be allowed to do it. But a big win over the loaded Spartan team would change the entire program around.

Michigan State is being given the benefit of the doubt as a sure-thing top three team, even No. 2 according to some, it’s not playing at the highest of levels. Yes, it beat Oregon, but it was a fight at home, and there weren’t many real highlights in the wins over Western Michigan and Central Michigan. Purdue and Rutgers are up next – Sparty is taking it easy before going to Michigan.

Why Central Michigan Will Win

The passing game is working at a high level. While there weren’t any touchdown passes against Oklahoma State, Cooper Rush and the CMU air show are hitting over 70% of their passes and bombing away for over 1,000 yards and five scores. As good as Michigan State’s defense has been, it can be thrown on. The Spartans are about to get hit hard.

Why Michigan State Will Win

The Spartans just don’t make enough mistakes to allow CMU to have a shot. MSU doesn’t commit penalties – just under four a game – and it doesn’t lose the turnover battle. This is a tight, veteran team that plays a smart, business-like game. There might not be anything flashy offensively, and the defense isn’t really up to its normal snuff, but CMU struggles to score even with all the big passing yards.

Player Who Matters

Who’s stepping up and taking over as the star linebacker of the Michigan State defense with Ed Davis out? Junior Riley Bullough is coming off a nice year as a reserve as the transition over from running back, and now he’s putting up a huge season with a team-leading 39 tackles with three sacks – also leading the team. He was in on everything against Air Force, coming up with 16 tackles after making 14 against Oregon,

What’s Going To Happen?

Michigan State’s secondary will give up a 300-yard day, but the run defense will stuff the CMU offense dead cold. It’ll be an easy day for the Spartan offense with balanced scoring in the first half on the way to a big performance.

Michigan State vs. Central Michigan Prediction

Final Score: Michigan State 34, Central Michigan 13, Line: Michigan State -27, o/u: 54

Must See Rating: 5: 99 Homes – 1: The Intern … 2.5

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