Why Michigan State football will upset No. 8 Washington

Not many are picking Michigan State football to upset No. 8 Washington on Saturday but I am — and here’s why.

Saturday’s Michigan State football game will have the attention of everyone. There are some major storylines heading into the game that make this matchup that much more intriguing.

Mark Dantonio is returning to the sidelines for the first time since 2019, Harlon Barnett has taken over as interim head coach, Michael Penix Jr. comes to town once again, the Rose Bowl team will be celebrated, and No. 8 Washington will be on upset alert.

Excitement is in the air and #disrespekt season is back. Here’s why I think the underdog Spartans pull off the upset of Washington.

1. Washington’s defense has been shaky

Through two games against inferior opponents, Washington’s defense is giving up an average of over 350 yards per game. OK, so Boise State is solid but Tulsa isn’t expected to do much this year and the Huskies still allow over 200 yards per game through the air and another 150-plus on the ground.

Michigan State has a better offense than both of those teams.

The Spartans are averaging 435.5 yards per game against inferior opponents, but when they’re in rhythm, they seem to score quickly. Noah Kim leads the conference in passing and Nathan Carter leads in rushing. Washington hasn’t seen a balanced attack like this yet and it could struggle.

Michigan State’s offense will be able to move the ball and have a chance at keeping up with Washington’s pass-heavy attack.

2. Michigan State’s pass rush has improved

If you’ve been reading Spartan Shadows this week, you would have seen a couple of articles about Michigan State’s improved pass rush. Sure, the Spartans have played two inferior opponents, but they’re still getting into the backfield with the fifth-most QB pressures through the first two weeks of the season — two teams ahead of them have played three games.

The pass rush has seemingly improved drastically from last season. And that’s bad news for Michael Penix Jr.

A year ago, Penix Jr. was able to sit back in the pocket all game long and pick apart the Spartan defense. That’s not going to happen this time around especially if the defensive line continues to play at a high level. If they can get to him quickly and force some rushed throws, the defense will be able to get off the field quicker and keep Washington’s offense on the sidelines.

3. The Spartans are playing with nothing to lose

What’s the most dangerous things for ranked teams heading into hostile territory? Facing a team with nothing to lose and everything to gain. That’s exactly what Washington will see in East Lansing against a 2-0 Michigan State team.

The Spartans are going to be playing an emotional game with Mel Tucker suspended and Harlon Barnett rallying the troops. Dantonio is back to steady the ship. The Rose Bowl team is in town. Alcohol will be sold. Fans will be showing up in droves. And Michigan State has nothing to lose here.

A win would prove to everyone that Michigan State football is back. You just know these players are hungry.

A Michigan State team with Dantonio on the sidelines and a chip on its shoulder is a dangerous thing. Washington is soon about to find that out.