Angelique S. Chengelis, Madeline Kenney, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the outcome of Saturday’s Michigan State-Prairie View A&M game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing (3:30 p.m., BTN/760).
▶ Angelique S. Chengelis: Michigan State played a combative fourth quarter at Maryland, defeating the Terps 10-7 and winning 27-24 last weekend. Quarterback Aidan Chiles posted 363 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He has a productive opponent in Nick Marsh, who had 194 yards on eight catches and a touchdown. The Spartans need to get some things right when it comes to turnovers and penalties. They rank near the bottom of the Big Ten with 22 penalties, which ranks 128th nationally. Allowing 240 penalty yards is certainly something that can be fixed. Prairie View A&M quarterback Cameron Peters completed 18 of 33 passes for 280 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions last week. This is an opportunity for MSU to get some things right, namely the penalties, and get to 3-0. Selection: Michigan State, 41-10
▶ Madeline Kenney: Michigan State is 2-0 to start the season and just pulled off a big comeback win at Maryland that tested the Spartans’ resolve. Michigan State is pretty happy with where the program is and its future. Saturday’s game is a complete mismatch. It will test Michigan State’s focus, but it’s also an opportunity for players to get extra reps and for others to get in shape as the Big Ten ramps up again in the near future. Jonathan Smith doesn’t believe in “trap games.” This one shouldn’t be either. Michigan State has never lost to an FCS opponent. Don’t expect that to change this weekend. Selection: Michigan State, 42-9
▶ John Niyo: It’s been a decade since the Spartans were such a heavy favorite on the football field. But that’s what happens when you start off with a 2-0 road win in the Big Ten and come home to face an FCS opponent that lost its only FBS matchup last fall, 69-0, to SMU. This game won’t be as one-sided, as Jonathan Smith’s team ranks near the bottom of the country in penalty yards and 120th in turnover margin after two games. But it should be an opportunity to work through some of those issues in a less stressful environment. Selection: Michigan State, 45-10
▶ Bob Wojnowski: Michigan State and Prairie View A&M have never met and probably won’t meet again. The Panthers replaced Louisiana after a scheduling conflict, and while they’re a decent FCS team, they’re outmatched here. They have a couple of talented receivers and beat Northwestern State 37-31 last week, but that’s a different league. However, the 2-0 Spartans aren’t at the stage where they can dawdle and still move on. Aidan Chiles has shown dynamic running and throwing skills, but with a penchant for turnovers. Freshman Nick Marsh looks like the Spartans’ next big-play receiver, and Kay’ron Lynch-Adams has been a pleasant surprise running. Jonathan Smith wants to see fewer mistakes and more points. His wish is getting granted. Selection: Michigan State, 52-13
