Michigan State Football Preview: A Path to Success

While the 2020 college football season isn't supposed to be easy for Michigan State, there is an opportunity to finish the year with a positive record.

The expectations surrounding Michigan State football are low and have been since the end of another disappointing season.

In 2020, things aren't going to be easy for Mel Tucker and his new coaching staff; however, they received a favorable draw in the final Big Ten schedule released on Saturday – one that Spartan Nation believes could lead to a positive record.

The eight-game regular season doesn't come without its challenges, including a week two road trip to Ann Arbor, where Tucker will face the Wolverines in just his second game as head coach of the Spartans.

If things go poorly enough, the wheels could fall off before MSU even gets going.

But Michigan State opens the season against Rutgers, an easy week in the Big Ten for Tucker and an even easier first victory.

If the Spartans can steal a game against Michigan or Iowa – two programs with first-year quarterbacks, then a record of 5-4 becomes way more feasible.

Next, it becomes about MSU taking care of business and sweeping the mid-season competition of Indiana, Maryland, and Northwestern.

MSU closes out the season against Ohio State and Penn State; both games will go in the loss column ending the year on a sour note, but with a positive record.

Or Michigan State finishes the year 4-4 and heads into their crossover matchup with the Big Ten West – providing them with another opportunity to finish strong.

I think that's the most likely scenario.

Michigan State Football Preview

• Oct. 24 vs. Rutgers: Win
• Oct. 31 @ Michigan: Loss
• Nov. 7 @ Iowa: Loss
• Nov. 14 vs. Indiana: Win
• Nov. 21 @ Maryland: Win
• Nov. 28 vs. Northwestern: Win
• Dec. 5 vs. Ohio State: Loss
• Dec. 12 @ Penn State: Loss
• Dec. 19: Big Ten Champions Week (East vs. West)

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