Michigan State vs. Tulsa fearless prediction and game preview.
Broadcast
Date: Friday, August 30
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
Network: FS1
– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions
Michigan State (0-0) vs. Tulsa (0-0) Game Preview
Michigan State has won ten straight home openers, but after struggling to get the offense going last season – and after sweating it out in the opener against Utah State – it would be nice to come up with an easy layup against a Tulsa team hoping to find its own offensive groove.
The Golden Hurricane have to go to San Jose State after this before hosting Oklahoma State, while the Spartans get another tune-up against Western Michigan before dealing with Arizona State.
The two programs have never played each other.
Why Tulsa Will Win
The Michigan State offense can’t and won’t be any worse than it was throughout last season, but there’s still a prove-it factor.
The Spartans scored 14 points or fewer six times and couldn’t get the running game going. There’s size in the backfield, but the line has to be better, the quarterback play needs to be more consistent, and there are still plenty of question marks.
The Tulsa defense is loaded with veterans, getting back nine starters for its 3-3-5 alignment. The secondary is coming off a big season, but that’s partly because the run defense gave up so much production. If MSU can’t grind it out on the ground, it’s going to sputter and cough again.
Why Michigan State Will Win
Be really, really shocked if the Tulsa offense gets hot right away.
The Golden Hurricane couldn’t generate any big plays, the pass protection was a rumor, and the quarterback play was spotty. What the offense could do was run the ball, and it’ll have a few big moments again this season.
One of them won’t come against this Spartan defensive front.
The Michigan State D that led the nation against the run gets back eight starters and almost all fo the top tacklers. There might not be a whole lot of plays behind the line, but that’s not a bad thing considering the run D will be a rock.
Tulsa will have to throw to win, and that means it’ll have to go right into the teeth of one of the Big Ten’s best secondaries.
What’s Going To Happen
It’s not going to be the offensive thrill show Michigan State fans will hope for, but QB Brian Lewerke will be efficient and effective, the offense won’t make a slew of mistakes, and the defense will take care of the rest.
MSU will be a bit underwhelming, but it’ll be in control throughout.
Fearless Prediction & Line
Michigan State 30, Tulsa 6
Line: Michigan State -21.5, o/u: COMING
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5
Must See Rating: 2
5: Once Upon a Time In Hollywood
1: Christina on the Coast
NEXT: Each Team’s Schedule, Predictions So Far
Each Team’s Schedule, Predictions So Far
2019 Michigan State Football Schedule
2019 Preseason Prediction: 9-3
2019 Preseason Big Ten Prediction: 6-3
2018 Record: 7-6
– 2019 Michigan State Preview
Aug. 30 Tulsa W
Sept. 7 Western Michigan W
Sept. 14 Arizona State W
Sept. 21 at Northwestern L
Sept. 28 Indiana W
Oct. 5 at Ohio State W
Oct. 12 at Wisconsin L
Oct. 19 OPEN DATE
Oct. 26 Penn State W
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 Illinois W
Nov. 16 at Michigan L
Nov. 23 at Rutgers W
Nov. 30 Maryland W
2019 Tulsa Football Schedule
2019 Preseason Prediction: 2-10
2019 Preseason AAC Prediction: 0-8
2018 Record: 3-9
– 2019 Tulsa Preview
Aug. 30 at Michigan State L
Sept. 7 at San Jose State W
Sept. 14 Oklahoma State L
Sept. 21 Wyoming W
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at SMU L
Oct. 12 Navy L
Oct. 19 at Cincinnati L
Oct. 26 Memphis L
Nov. 2 at Tulane L
Nov. 8 UCF L
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 Houston L
Nov. 30 at East Carolina L
