Staff Predictions: Michigan State vs. Richmond

Following a season-opening 31-7 victory over Central Michigan, it’s back to work for Michigan State this Saturday as they prepare to host Richmond (3:30 p.m. / BTN) at Spartan Stadium.

This will mark the first ever matchup between the Spartans and the Spiders, and only the eighth time in program history that Michigan State will square off against a Football Championship Subdivison (FCS) program. MSU is 7-0 all-time against FCS foe, with their last such victory coming in 2021 against Youngstown State.

Richmond (0-1) is coming off a surprising Week 1 loss to Morgan State by the score of 17-10. The Spiders were the No. 16 team in the FCS’ preseason poll, and were a 25.5-point favorite heading into their opener. Michigan State (1-0), meanwhile, shook off a sluggish start to cruise to a 24-point victory over the Chippewas.

Without further ado, Spartan Nation senior writer Matthew Lounsberry and contributor Aedan Mulcrone share their thoughts on the game below with 3 Bold Predictions, Game Previews, and Final Score Predictions.

Matt’s 3 Bold Predictions

1.) MSU rushes for over 175 yards

Michigan State had one of the worst rushing offenses in the country a season ago, averaging just 113 yards on the ground per game. One of the concerns coming out of the CMU game was the lack of push from the Spartans’ O-line against a MAC-level opponent.

In order for MSU to surprise some folks in 2023, they’re going to have to run the ball more effectively going forward. With that in mind, I think we’ll see a concerted effect from the Spartans to pound the rock offensively against Richmond.

UConn transfer tailback Nathan Carter had a nice debut last week, and Michigan State should continue to feed him in Week 2. I’d also like to see more of Jalen Berger in the ground game, and we might get our first look at USF transfer Jaren Mangham if he’s back healthy. Michigan State will have a size and talent advantage in the trenches against Richmond, and they should utilize that effective in the run game.

2.) WR Jaron Glover get first career TD catch

Wide receiver Jaron Glover announced his arrival last weekend on Michigan State’s touchdown drive to end the second half, catching three passes for 75 yards on that lone possession to set up the Spartans’ first score.

Given the way he played in Week 1, I think Glover earned more snaps in Week 2, and he might get the opportunity to reach the end zone for the first time in his MSU career. This is a tough thing to predict – the Spartans rotated a lot of players at receiver last week, and they should be able to do the same thing this week vs. Richmond. With that said, it just feels like Glover is due for a score after breaking out against Central Michigan.

3.) QB Katin Houser throws 1st career passing TD

I think we’re going to see a lot more of quarterback Katin Houser than we saw last week, when the redshirt freshman came in for mop up duty at the end of the Spartans’ victory over Central Michigan.

I expect Michigan State to get off to a fast start in Week 2 against Richmond, and quickly put some distance between themselves and the Spiders. Certainly, it’s important to get starting quarterback Noah Kim a lot of reps in preparation for Week 3, but if the Spartans handle business we may see a full fourth quarter of Houser on the field. I like the chances of that happening and, to that end, I think we’ll see Houser sling the ball around a bit and come up with his first career touchdown pass this week.

Aedan’s 3 Bold Predictions

1.) The Spartans exceed 4 sacks

Michigan State’s pass rush showed a lot of positive signs against Central Michigan, finishing with three sacks and several quarterback hurries that could have been sacks against a less mobile QB. This week the Spartans get home more than three times and dominate the line of scrimmage, while still rotating defensive linemen and linebackers the front seven should stay fresh.

Continuing to move Jacoby Windmon all over the field has helped the defense. Opposing offenses need to know where he is at all times, which opens up opportunities for other pass rushers. The interior line did a great job collapsing the pocket last week as well. I predict Jalen Sami to be part of one of those sacks this week against Richmond.

2.) Jalen Berger scores 2 touchdowns

In MSU’s first game, I thought Berger showed he is still a valuable asset. While Nathan Carter may be better running the ball, Berger can still make plays out of the backfield with his hands in the passing game. That’s something we haven’t seen much of in Jay Johnson’s offense in recent years, but Berger has the skillset to make an impact there.

Carter and Berger will continue to share carries this week, and Michigan State’s offensive line should win the battle upfront in the run game and open wide rushing lanes for the backs. I think Berger could score a rushing and receiving touchdown in this game.

3.) 2 plays of 50+ yards for MSU receivers

The Spartans passing attack showed big play ability against Central Michigan. Redshirt junior Christian Fitzpatrick had a 76-yard catch and run against the Chippewas, and we’ve seen Tre Mosley make explosive plays in previous seasons. Young burners like Tyrell Henry and Jaron Glover both have the speed and athleticism to get loose in the open field as well.

With that weaponry, and Michigan State’s talent advantage against Richmond, I see the Spartans connecting on a pair of 50-yard or more plays this weekend in East Lansing.

Matt’s Preview, Score Prediction

As stated above, Michigan State should have no problem handling an opponent like Richmond. I expect the Spartans to dominate both lines of scrimmage, which should allow them to do just about anything they want offensively, and shut down the Spiders’ attack defensively.

This is a confidence-building type game for MSU, and that will come if quarterback Noah Kim gets off to a crisper start and Michigan State shows dominance in the run game. The Spartan tailbacks ought to average five to six yards per carry against Richmond. Defensively, MSU just needs to show more of what they did in Week 1 against CMU – get after the quarterback, stuff the run and get off the field on third down. If those things happen, this should be a pretty lopsided outcome. Score Prediction: Michigan State 41, Richmond 10

Aedan’s Preview, Score Prediction

It’s no secret that this is a ‘buy game’ for Michigan State, and Richmond had a bad loss in Week 1 to Morgan State. While that should be acknowledged, you should never overlook any opponent in college football. With that being said, MSU has more talent at every position than the Spiders, and I expect the Spartans to win handily.

On offense, I want to see Michigan State score on the first drive and prove the beginning of the Central Michigan game was just a case of ‘first game jitters’ and not a habit of starting slow. As for the Spartans’ defense, I’ll look for them to tighten the screws from the opener, cause some turnovers and try for a shutout against a team that seems to be struggling out of the gate. Score Prediction: Michigan State 52, Richmond 7

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