Michigan state football has the potential to have another ten-win season in 2022. Similar to the Spartans’ 2021 schedule, this year’s game list features plenty of testing, especially in conferences.
While arch rival Michigan may not be as strong a team as it was last year, anything can happen in a game of rivalry. The Michigan and Ohio State matches are likely no more difficult for the Spartans than they were a year ago, but the 2022 schedule is more difficult across the board than the 2021 one.
Let’s start with the easiest games from the Michigan State program:
1. September 10 (week 2) – against Akron
This is year 1 in Akron for new manager Joe Moorhead, who is looking to rebuild one of the worst programs in the FBS. He’s defined some big crimes at Penn State and Oregon, but those are top-tier programs. Akron does not yet have the staff to perform the high-octane pass attack Moorehead desires offensively. This is the closest the Spartans will get to a “give me” victory.
2. September 2 (week 1) – versus western Michigan
This is not a typical year for the Broncos. Coach Tim Lester replaces All-Conference quarterback Kaleb Eleby and NFL second-round draft wide receiver Skyy Moore. Western Michigan used the transfer portal to bring in a new quarterback, but their running game will be the calling card of the offense for now. Michigan State running back La’Darius Jefferson is paired with Sean Tyler as the “thunder and lighting” duo for the Broncos. But the only problem for the West is that the state of Michigan has one of the best defenses in the nation.
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3. November 19th (week 12) – v Indiana
The Hoosiers fell out of favor in the 2021 season. Indiana finished with a 6-2 record during the 2020 season shortened by COVID. Since then, the Hoosiers have lost all key contributors to that 2020 season and Indiana went 2-10 a year ago. Losing quarterback Michael Penix, linebacker Micah McFadden and tight end Peyton Hendershot have left plenty of holes in the Hoosiers roster. They brought in some promising freshmen and transfers, but is that enough? By November, when the state of Michigan hosts Indiana, the Spartans should be humming.
Moving on to the most difficult matches scheduled:
1. October 8 (week 6) – against the state of Ohio
For obvious reasons, Ohio State is easily the hardest game of the year for MSU. Like most years, they return a lot of production and replenish talent through recruiting. Quarterback duo CJ Stroud and Jaxson Smith-Njigba are arguably the best tandem in college football. Even if the state of Michigan has fixed the defensive backfield, the Buckeyes will be hard to stop.
2. October 29 (week 9) – in Michigan
It’s a rivalry game, need I say more? Additionally, MSU plays in Michigan at the end of a six-game spell that includes Washington, Minnesota, Maryland, Ohio State and Wisconsin. A goodbye week will be very necessary to prepare for Michigan, but the Wolverines will come out a goodbye too. The Wolverines defense won’t be as strong as it was last season, but their attack returns eight starters. Again, the question will be: how well will the Spartan defenders improve?
3. September 24 (week 4) – vs. Minnesota
A surprise to some, Minnesota quietly won nine games last season. They report offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, who had the most success with the Gopher attack from 2017-19. Minnesota return quarterback Tanner Morgan and running back Mo Ibrahim, recovering from an Achilles tendon injury. Last season, all of Minnesota’s losses were less than one possession, with the exception of the season opener against Ohio State. It should be noted that the Gophers led the Buckeyes in that game before Ibrahim fell from the end-of-season injury. Minnesota have a well-rounded attack and fierce defense that comes close to the ball.
Additional Notes:
Wisconsin and Penn State will both be tough tests for the state of Michigan and could both be considered the third toughest fight of the season. The Spartans will see tougher defenses from these two programs, but MSU is expected to improve on that side of the ball as well. Michigan State won’t play as many air strikes as last year – looking at you, Purdue – which is to the advantage of the Spartans.