ESPN SP+ ratings system predicts final score for Michigan State-Northwestern matchup

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The Spartans are sliding and the SP+ model doesn't like their chances to snap out of it this week against Northwestern.

Bill Connelly of ESPN has posted his weekly SP+ predictions for every FBS game this week, and the projected final score for Michigan State-Northwestern is tilted towards the Wildcats. The model has Northwestern beating Michigan State by the final score of 34-19 on Saturday.

Michigan State has lost four straight games, including an overtime thriller this past weekend against Illinois. That defeat to the Fighting Illini has dropped the Spartans to 2-4 overall and 0-3 in Big Ten play.

Northwestern, on the other hand, is playing really well at the moment. The Wildcats are 4-1 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play, with their lone defeat being a narrow loss at Indiana. Northwestern is ranked this week at No. 25 in the Associated Press media poll.

Kickoff for this matchup between Michigan State and Northwestern is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will be available to watch via Peacock streaming.

My Thoughts on SP+ Prediction

It's hard to get a good read on the Spartans at the moment, especially given the numerous key injuries they've suffered on the defensive side of the ball. Northwestern has been playing well this year and clearly deserves to be favored in this game. I'm just not sure if they're 15 points better than Michigan State. My personal prediction that'll come out later in the week is more leaning towards a single score game. But as I said, this is a hard one to get a good read on.

Complete SP+ Predictions for Week 7

Click on the post below to see the complete breakdown of every Football Bowl Subdivision game that SP+ has predicted the scores for this upcoming week:

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: ESPN SP+ ratings system predicts final score for Michigan State-Northwestern matchup

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