Guest author Aleks Bomis gives his predictions for the first four MSU games here.

There’s something about trying to predict an entire football schedule before it begins that doesn’t sit well with me. Maybe it’s the fact that it

There’s something about trying to predict an entire football schedule before it begins that doesn’t sit well with me. Maybe it’s the fact that it requires analyzing how situations change from week to week, turning the article into one giant “if-then” statement. If they stay healthy (how many times have we heard that one?), if it’s a night game, if it’s on ABC… To avoid that, I’m going to go off of the information available as of now, July 20.

MSU (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten) vs. UAB (C-USA): W

Right off the bat the Spartans have the opportunity to crush a team’s season. The Blazers have lost eight, count ‘em, eight players since spring practice wrapped up -  four declared academically ineligible, two dismissed for violating team rules and two leaving of their own accord. To worsen matters, UAB had 49 scholarship players report for spring practice. As of July 11 that number has been cut to 40. Even with a full recruiting class of 25, the Blazers will be well short of the 85 scholarship maximum. The linebacker and defensive line will be particularly weak, with UAB losing a starter and backup at LB and three defensive linemen. The new coach of the Blazers, Neil Callaway, has stated that freshmen will start immediately. Callaway’s first game as a head coach will be a bumpy one, while Spartan head coach Mark Dantonio’s playcalling towards the end could be as simple as pointing to the end zone and saying “That way.”

MSU (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten) vs. Bowling Green (MAC): W
Â
Everyone enjoys seeing a landslide victory but while this game will be closer, it should prove more exciting. The Falcons are rumored to have some very good linebacker play, including a hybrid OLB/SS in sophomore PJ Mahone. While the linebackers may be receiving credit, the DBs will have to prove themselves. Primarily freshmen and sophomores last year, at least 7 TDs were given up to big plays of 43 yards or more. MAC opponents will look to this game to find BGSU’s liability in this young unit. To add to the excitement special teams looks particularly weak, with 5 TDs given up to blocked punts or kickoff returns and JUCOs Sinisa Vrvilo and Nick Iovinelli brought in at kicker and punter. With Dantonio emphasizing playing fast, don’t be surprised if the Spartans’ special teams unit puts a TD on the board.

MSU (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) vs. Pittsburgh (Big East): W
Â
Each week the competition gets tougher for Michigan State. This week’s challenge will be the Panthers’ offensive line, which returns four starters and has fifth-year senior Chris Vangas filling the vacated position at center. A weak point might be found in fifth-year senior Mike McGlinn, who’s recovering from shoulder surgery. If the Spartans can break through, the Panthers will be in for a long day. The loss of Tyler Palko will be felt, as junior Bill Stull fights with redshirt freshman Kevan Smith and freshman Pat Bostick to replace him. With Stull the only one having seen playing time in mopup duty against the likes of the Citadel, Toledo and Central Florida, ringing the QB’s bell will likely be a priority. The linebackers will undoubtedly be the area to exploit when the Spartans have the ball, with MLB Scott McKillop as the lone returning starter. The Spartan linemen must stay on their toes, however: Pittsburgh’s defensive line comes back in its entirety for an encore performance in 2007.

MSU (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten) @ Notre Dame (Independent): W
Â
The competition gets harder still, but the Spartans catch a break in the Fighting Irish schedule. Prior to the Battle for the Megaphone, the Irish host Georgia Tech, head to Penn State and make a pit stop on the way home to play Michigan. It will be interesting to see how the Irish cope both with the demanding schedule and the inexperience on offense. New receivers. New tailback. New quarterback. A questionable line (31 sacks allowed last season). I remember an article printed during former Spartan coach John L. Smith’s first year, summarizing the job of the guys up front as “See ball? Get ball!” Smith did not work out, but the mantra sure did: 45 sacks in 2003. While that number dropped as low as 16 in his final season, four coming from Idaho and Eastern Michigan, running downhill right off the snap should end favorably for the Spartans. It seems to fall in line with coach Dantonio’s opening remarks upon being hired. “When do we play our best? When we play fast. When do we play fastest? When we know exactly what to do.” What are they going to do? I have a feeling it’ll be along the lines of “See ball? Get ball.”

As for defense, Notre Dame will be employing a 3-4 setup this year courtesy of defensive coordinator Corwin Brown (formerly of the NY Jets), with plenty of position changes. Time will tell whether this will keep their W column in the double digits or have Notre Dame questioning their decision to extend Charlie Weis’ contract through 2015. Their linebackers will have to aid a less-than-great secondary despite SS Tom Zbikowski, often leaving the linemen to fend for themselves. As much trouble as the Spartan offensive line has had in the past (28 sacks allowed in 2006, 9th in the Big Ten), I like their chances in this matchup, especially with the reinstatement of the fullback position, along with Jehuu Caulcrick and Javon Ringer returning. “Thunder and Lightning,” the name given to the pair, could have a field day on national television, potentially sending the Irish on an 0-4 start.

Â
Â
PARTING THOUGHTS: What’s the deal with MSU playing schools with special teams flaws? A team with one kicker doing everything (UAB), a team giving up a fistful of TDs (Bowling Green) and a team without a single player that’s ever attempted a college field goal trying to replace a kicker that averaged 60% and missed five PATs (Notre Dame). Fourth down excitement looks to be a mainstay this year in Spartan football.

NEXT TIME: Things really start to get tough as the Big Ten season starts up and the Spartans take a couple road trips.