While there is no official line from the bookies, one can use the Jeff Sagarin predictor ratings to help provide some level of comparison between Michigan State and Northern Colorado.

Michigan State is ranked #41 but has 76 predictor points.
Northern Colorado is ranked #169 and has 50 predictor points.
Michigan State is at home (+3 home field advantage).

Prediction: 76-50+3=29 point margin of victory.

Kickoff is set for Noon from Spartan Stadium, it will be on the BTN. Early forecast for Saturday is 66 degrees and partly sunny.

About Northern Colorado (website)

Well, The Bears are 2-1 and compete in the Big Sky Conference as a Division I-FCS school. Before the season Northern Colorado was predicted to finish 7th out of the 9 teams. They defeated Division II Adams State 54-0 and are coming off a 35-21 win over Idaho State. Two weeks ago, the Bears lost in overtime to Weber State, 47-50. They seem to have a balanced offense, running for 201 yards per game (3.9 yards per carry) and passing for 203 per game. Their best player is senior cornerback Korey Askey (#2). On offense, senior RB Andre Harris (6-1, 220, #21) is their best player, with 275 yards (5.4 yds per rush) through three games and six TDs. Punter Cameron Kaman is averaging 37 yards per kick. FG kicker Mason Puckett already had two kicks blocked this year, is 4-8 with a long of 39 and 0-2 from beyond 40. That's enough scouting. Back to work.

Quick Stats

Michigan State's Edwin Baker is ranked #9 in the nation, and #3 in the Big Ten, in rushing with 130 yer game. LeVeon Bell is #26 nationally with a 101.3 avg per game. The Spartans are ranked #16 nationally in rushing with 241.7 yards per game. Aaron Bates is ranked 13th in punting with a 45.8 yard avg. Keshawn Martin is #22 in punt returns with a 13.4 yard avg. MSU is ranked #28 in total offense with 442 yards per game, and #74 in defense giving up 362 yards per game.

Biggest blemish? MSU's past defense ranks #108 out of 120 Division I-FBS teams, giving up 288 yards per game through the air.