Michigan State football: 3 bold predictions vs. FAU in Week 1

Michigan State football will open the season on Friday night against FAU which means it’s time to get bold for the first time in 2024.

Can you believe that Michigan State football kicks things off in a few hours? It’s finally that time of year again.

The much-anticipated start of the 2024 season comes with plenty of storylines such as Aidan Chiles becoming QB1, Jonathan Smith entering a new era, and the defensive and offensive lines being totally revamped.

With FAU coming to town on Friday night, it’s time to get bold for the first time in 2024.

Here are three of my boldest predictions for Friday night’s game under the lights.

1. Nick Marsh catches first two TD passes of his career

I was going to sit here and predict one Nick Marsh touchdown catch, the first of his Spartan career, but that didn’t seem quite bold enough. So why not go for two? Florida Atlantic had one of the worst passing defenses in the country last year, ranking 103rd nationally, and while there will be three new starters in the defensive backfield, I think Aidan Chiles and Marsh will feast.

Marsh will score his first career touchdown in the first quarter and then cap his day off with another in the third quarter. He’ll finish with four catches for 83 yards and two scores.

2. Nate Carter rushes for 150 yards

Remember when I said FAU had one of the worst passing defenses in the nation last year? Well, the run defense wasn’t exactly a whole lot better. The Owls surrendered about 150 yards per game on the ground, ranking 64th nationally in that regard. I think we’ll see Nate Carter break that mark on his own on Friday night behind an improved offensive line. He’ll carry the ball 21 times for 156 yards and a score.

3. Michigan State defense records 5 sacks, holds FAU under 300 yards

This one is probably my boldest prediction based on how poor the defense looked a year ago. The Spartans are now led by a competent coordinator in Joe Rossi who is going to turn this defense around.

The defensive line has been considered one of the weakest position groups on the team heading into the season, but they’re going to show out on Friday night with five sacks to help out the defensive backs quite a bit. I also see Michigan State picking off a couple of passes from interception-machine Cam Fancher of FAU.

On top of that, Michigan State will hold the Owls’ offense to fewer than 300 total yards.

An all-around sparkling effort from the Spartans in the opener.