Happy Friday TOC Nation. Our season is going into its second weekend, and this week’s matchups is bringing a lot of nervous feelings around Spartan Country. Michigan State handled its business in week 1, though it wasn’t always pretty. Boston College, on the other hand, dominated a lower-level opponent from start to finish. Let’s start getting ready for game #2.
Michigan State Vs. Boston College
When: Saturday, September 6 @ 7:30 PM
Where: Spartan Stadium; East Lansing, MI
TV: NBC & Peacock
Radio: Local listings, online or on the app
Betting: MSU -4.5; +/- 45.5 (Fanduel)
If you would like to read more about the Boston College Eagles, please check out O’s preview.
Predictions:
Mike: Maybe I’m overreacting but I’m not sure what it says about MSU football when a week 2 home game against Boston College seems so massive. Sure, there are 10 games after this one but this just seems like one the Spartans absolutely must have if they want to generate some more optimism around the season. Fall to BC, and they have to endure a long two weeks until week 4 at USC for another chance to make a statement. Or, defeat BC and the Spartans probably head to LA with a chance to make a massive statement.
The MSU defense certainly earned its praise in the win over Western. It looked like they played with more emotion for each other, which I don’t remember seeing as much as last season wore on. It looks like MSU will be challenged through the air by BC but should hold up well against the run considering the Eagles struggled on the ground in their opener against Fordham.
On offense, Michigan State probably needs at least a couple more of the 10 play, 75 yard scoring drives they produced in the first half against Western. This could help run the clock and give BC less time to air it out when they have the ball. The Spartans cannot endure another unproductive second half – something we’ve been accustomed to in 13 games under Jonathan Smith. I think there is hope though. I looked back at Smith’s last three years at Oregon State and they were actually a strong second half team. So the poor second halves are something that’s happening at MSU but not something Smith brought with him from OSU.
So what’s going to happen? I have no idea. I think Boston College gets some yards in the pass game but the MSU D gets some stops and holds the Eagles to more field goals than touchdowns. Michigan State gets the long drives they need and somehow manages to kick a field goal of their own.
24-23 Spartans.
Steve: This is a tough one. Lonergan can air it out so the secondary is going to be in the spotlight. Can the d line get pressure? I do think MSU shuts down BC’s run game and makes them a one dimensional team. MSU will miss another field goal. I like the under and think MSU squeaks by 23-21.
Lucas: The Spartans will no doubt be facing a new look Boston College offense this year, with Alabama transfer Dylan Lonergan under center. The redshirt sophomore can spin it, throwing for a cool 4 touchdowns in the Eagles week one win. I think this game will show us how much progress the defense has really made; can the defensive line sufficiently pressure Lonergan, and can the secondary stay disciplined in the man coverage looks we saw a lot of against Western?
Offensively, it’s all about taking care of the football. If Chiles can improve his ball security from last year’s game, throw the ball away and live to see the next play, I think the offense will perform similarly to the first half versus WMU.
Rossi’s defense answers the bell. Give me the home team, 24-13, with a nod to the Spartan Stadium primetime crowd.
O: I sat down with BC Interrupted to discuss this game and told them I am feeling very nervous. I am hoping that the home crowd swings last year’s result and we are the ones with the late touchdown this time. 27-24 Spartans.
Game Thread: Will go live 3 hours before kickoff.
We only have one top 25 game this weekend, and it was an easy one for us writers to pick. All 4 of us select Oklahoma over u*m (I think that is how I will spell it from now on). So we are turning to the opening weekend of the NFL season to make our staff picks.
Week 1 results: Mike (2-2); Steve (1-3); Lucas (3-1); O (2-2)
1. Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers
- Mike – Detroit
- Steve – Detroit
- Lucas – Green Bay
- O – Detroit
2. Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears
- Mike – Chicago
- Steve – Chicago
- Lucas – Minnesota
- O – Can’t cheer for a former u*m QB or a former Lions coordinator that took a head coaching job in the division, so give me a tie in this one.
3. Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills
- Mike – my mom’s side of the family is from Western NY so let’s go with Buffalo!
- Steve – Buffalo
- Lucas – Baltimore
- O – Buffalo
