Grinz over at Mlive predicts that Michigan State definitely has a flip-flop situation at QB, and Kirk Cousins is getting the nod to start over Keith Nichol based on Cousins paying his dues. The two are co-equals. "Cousins will get the start against Montana State out of deference to the dues he has paid to the program and Nichol will get about as much playing time. Nichol will start what is shaping up as a difficult game against Central Michigan and Cousins will go in off the bench."

The ES still can't find a line on the Michigan State - Montana State game, though our loyal poster spartanpride notes one offshore bookie has the Green as a 41-pt favorite (still can't find it). Florida was noted as a 73-point favorite over FCS/I-AA Charleston Southern by Danny Sheridan, though that line is no longer posted.

The Lansing State Journal has their annual preview, and they predict Michigan State to finish with Iowa tied for 3rd and an 8-4/5-3 record. The Freep's preview has multiple reporters picking MSU either 8-4 or 9-3, and anywhere from 2nd to 4th. The Detroit News picks MSU to finish third, with its team preview out on Thursday.

When the game kicks off, MSU will no longer be among the NCAA elite that have never scheduled out of the Division down to 1-AA/FCS. Currently, the only five NCAA teams to schedule only D1-A: Michigan State, Notre Dame, USC, UCLA and Washington.