Michigan State Football: Preview, prediction for Maryland game

Michigan State football faces an important matchup with the 4-2 Maryland Terrapins on Saturday night.

Facing adversity for about the fourth time this season, Michigan State football will hit the road in hopes of shutting up the doubters, finally, and beating the Maryland Terrapins.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 bold predictions vs. Maryland

Like the Spartans, the Terrapins began the season strong only to run into some sour luck. While Michigan State has lost four straight games, Maryland has lost just two in a row. Both teams, though, are looking to stop the bleeding.

The quarterback situation for the Spartans still isn’t quite settled and the same can go for the Terrapins. With both sides in similar situations, with inverse records, it’ll be interesting to see how this Saturday night matchup plays out.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Michigan State football game against Maryland:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 22
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: College Park, MD
Venue: Maryland Stadium
TV: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: BTN2Go

Keys to Victory

This one is pretty simple, the Spartans need to get off to a quick start. They did just that against Northwestern last week but took the foot off the gas a little bit after a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Michigan State needs to jump out to a quick lead and keep stepping on the Terrapins’ throats all the way through.

Defensively, getting pressure on the quarterback is key, but in this game, it’ll be all about shutting down Maryland’s point rushing attack. The Terrapins average 250 yards per game on the ground and the Spartans need to clog up running lanes and limit big plays on the ground.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Michigan State -3
Over/Under: 51

Prediction

This is going to be yet another close game for the Spartans. Michigan State is going to be facing major adversity for the rest of the season with no one believing it can win, but this is the perfect opportunity to get the job done. Brian Lewerke gets the start and leads this team to a victory, recording his first career win. The ground game gets back on track, but Michigan State struggles yet again to stop the run. A late touchdown for the Spartans on a 15-yard LJ Scott scamper wins it.

Final: Michigan State 31, Maryland 30