Michigan State football: 3 bold predictions vs. Purdue

It’s been about a month. One month since Michigan State football last entered the win column and, honestly, it feels like it’s been even longer than that. The Spartans have lost three straight games after breaking up the last three-game losing streak with a win over Iowa.

Michigan State enters Friday night’s matchup with Purdue with a chance to break yet another losing streak.

The Boilermakers are 1-9 on the year and 0-7 in Big Ten play and there’s a rumor that head coach Ryan Walters is on the hot seat and he needs a win over Michigan State to potentially save his job. Michigan State is 4-6 and needs a win here to keep its bowl hopes alive.

There’s a lot on the line heading into Friday night and here are three of my boldest predictions to celebrate the showdown.

1. Finally, a 100-yard rusher

Only two times this season has Michigan State had a 100-yard rusher. The first was actually in the opening game of the season as Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams rushed for 101 yards against FAU and the next was Nate Carter against Michigan, taxing the Wolverines for 118 yards. Other than that, it’s been a rough year for the run game and that offensive line.

Well, they’ll get a break on Friday as the Boilermakers have one of the worst run defenses in college football. Michigan State will attack that early and often and we’ll see another 100-yard rusher.

I’m going with Carter for this one although Aidan Chiles, too, could break the century mark for the first time.

2. No turnovers again for Aidan Chiles

Last weekend, Aidan Chiles went turnover-less against Illinois in a losing effort. While he didn’t have a turnover, some fans still found a way to criticize him even though he had arguably his best game with Michigan State football.

Chiles will silence doubters yet again with a zero-turnover showing against Purdue while accounting for over 250 total yards of offense. I’d like to say he will reach 300 total yards (he essentially reached it last week with 296) but I’m just not confident that this offensive line is going to protect him long enough. Still, over 250 yards with three total touchdowns and no turnovers? You take that every time.

3. Michigan State wins, finally breaks 20 points

It’s actually hard to believe, but Michigan State has broken the 20-point mark just two times in Big Ten play this season. The first was at Maryland and the second time was a 32-20 win over Iowa. Other than that, Michigan State has been held to fewer than 20 points in all five of its Big Ten losses.

Well, the Spartans will finally break 20 again on Friday night and I’ll even go one step further and say that 30 is very possible but kneel-downs in the final minutes will prevent that from happening.

I don’t see Michigan State football covering the 14-point spread, but I do see a 26-17 win for the Spartans, cracking 20 for the first time in a month.