Michigan State vs. Eastern Michigan Score Prediction

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Last Week

My Prediction:

Michigan State — 31

Toledo — 17

Actual Score:

Michigan State — 30

Toledo — 20

We are just 24 hours away from watching the Michigan State Spartans run out of the tunnel for the second week in a row.

After spending nearly 300 days waiting to watch the Green and White following last season, the wait is finally over. The season has kicked off, and it is already getting into full swing.

As quickly as summer may have flown by for some, football season always seems to rush the holiday season along even faster. The Spartans are scheduled to play 12 regular-season games, and they are already entering their second.

That means after Saturday's game, Michigan State will already be 17% of the way through its regular season.

Last week, we finally got our first look at the retooling that took place throughout the offseason. With a brand-new coaching staff and what is essentially a brand-new team, the Spartans came out flying up and down the field against Toledo.

Michigan State struggled to finish several drives, but outside of a 60-yard touchdown lapse on defense, the Spartans looked like the far better team for much of the first half. They took a 19-7 lead into halftime and appeared to be firmly in control.

Then came the second half.

The Spartans' stamina appeared to be wearing thin, and the Rockets began taking advantage. Toledo gashed Michigan State for another explosive play, this time a 71-yard touchdown run.

Then came a blocked field goal.

Before anyone knew what happened, Toledo had taken a 20-19 lead over the Spartans.

But Michigan State dug deep, reminded itself that it was the better team and responded when it mattered most. The Spartans dominated the fourth quarter and ultimately came away with a 30-20 victory.

Now, Michigan State will look to carry that fourth-quarter momentum into a matchup against former Spartan quarterback Noah Kim and the Eastern Michigan Eagles.

Eastern Michigan enters the matchup 1-1 after beating Sacramento State in Week 0 before falling to San Jose State in Week 1.

Kim spent two seasons at Michigan State before transferring to Eastern Michigan. Now entering his second season with the Eagles, he is the player Eastern Michigan is leaning on to make things happen.

With the Eagles' rushing attack appearing stagnant at times, Kim has been asked to do a little bit of everything for the offense.

That makes Michigan State's pass rush one of the biggest keys to Saturday's matchup.

If the Spartans can take another step forward up front and create pressure — while actually finishing those opportunities with sacks — Kim could be in for a long afternoon.

That will also require the secondary to take a major step forward and stay attached to the receivers they are covering. That was something Michigan State struggled with at times against Toledo.

Kim certainly has the revenge angle working in his favor, and the media has already begun buying into that storyline. Because of that, I do think Eastern Michigan has a chance to come out fast and put some points on the board during the early stages of the game.

But when the dust settles, I don't expect this one to be particularly close.

Michigan State is simply the better football team. The Spartans now have a full game under their belts in the new systems installed by the coaching staff, and that experience should make a noticeable difference in Week 2.

I expect Michigan State to clean up some of the mistakes from Week 1, finish more drives and control this game from start to finish.

Prediction

Michigan State — 33

Eastern Michigan — 13

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos