Michigan State football: 3 fearless predictions vs. Central Michigan

Central Michigan comes to town on Friday night to kick off 2023 and Michigan State football is looking for a hot start.

Friday night marks the end of the longest offseason in the history of offseasons. But really, it felt like this offseason would never end as the pointless Twitter debates and social media arguments were mind-numbing. The wait is finally over for Michigan State football fans.

Central Michigan comes to town on Friday night to end the long wait and there’s some anxiousness flowing throughout the fanbase, especially with the Chippewas conjuring up some bulletin-board material.

With kickoff finally just hours away, now’s the perfect time for some predictions.

1. Nathan Carter rushes for over 100 yards

Last season, Nathan Carter averaged over 100 yards per game in four outings before an injury ended his season. He also averaged over 6.0 yards per touch. I expect that same success to continue in a new uniform.

The hype from fall camp was buzzing around Carter and I think he will be the hot hand on Friday night. He’s going to have a great start to his Spartan career, running 17 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns. The improved offensive line will pave the way for the talented back and he’s going to give fans Kenneth Walker III flashbacks, if just for one night.

2. Both quarterbacks throw a TD pass

Who’s the starting quarterback? Mel Tucker has kept that storyline under wraps for weeks now and he wouldn’t reveal the answer to the media on Monday either. I personally think it will be Noah Kim who trots out there first on Friday. But we’ll also see some Katin Houser throughout the game. Either way, both quarterbacks are going to throw their first touchdown passes of the season.

Kim will connect with Maliq Carr early in the first quarter for the season’s first score and Houser will find Antonio Gates Jr. in the second half for a score.

Will the quarterback controversy continue? Probably.

3. Michigan State covers

The spread heading into Friday sits at -14.5 in favor of Michigan State football. The Spartans should cover the spread.

With the offense finding its footing on the ground and both quarterbacks showing flashes, Michigan State will put some points on the board. I don’t think Central Michigan will keep up. While the dual-threat quarterbacks will pose problems, the MSU defense will step up. This game will be closer than we want, but Michigan State covers.

I’m going with 34-17 good guys.