Time:  8 pm
Location:  Spartan Stadium, EL
Weather:  76 and sunny. PERFECT.
TV:  Big Ten Network

Predictions:  Det News: Charboneau MSU 34-13, Niyo MSU 38-7, Wojo MSU 23-10; ESPN.com: Bennett MSU 28-6, Rittenberg MSU 31-10; LSJ:  Calloway MSU 31-3, Couch MSU 45-10, Solari MSU 49-3, Rexrode MSU 33-3; CFN/Scout: MSU 41-10. MLive: MSU 48-7

Line: MSU by 28

ES sez:  It's been 240 days since the last Spartan football game, a 17-16 squeaker over TCU.  That's 239 days too long.  GAME DAY IS HERE!!!!


The ES ain't buying the interview of Andrew Maxwell on WILX-TV Thursday nite. In other words, let's be ecstatic from his positive vibes, but I fail to believe it until I see it translating to the playing field.  The ES' lack of confidence also is intended for Maxwell's receivers.  Against WMU, maybe the passing game can show moxie and get the job done.  But we still won't know Maxwell's true colors for a few weeks.  Both Maxwell and Connor Cook will play tonite.

Nevertheless, what I do believe in is the MSU defense, and they won't allow an inch to Western Michigan's offense.

WMU is predicted to be in the middle of the MAC; MSU is predicted to be in the middle of the Big Ten. That's a big advantage to MSU overall.  Give this one easily to Bullough and the Spartan Defense, which will outscore the Spartan Offense: 2 TDs by the defense, 1 TD by the offense.  

ES prediction: MSU 24, WMU 0.