Key stretch: Michigan State Spartans

0 Shares Print As we draw nearer to the college football season, we’ve decided to take a closer look at the schedule of each Big Ten team. Namely, we’re looking at each team’s most critical three- or four-game stretch, why it’s important and what the most likely outcome is. Up next: Michigan State Key stretch: at Nebraska on Nov. 7, Maryland on Nov. 14, at Ohio State on Nov. 21, Penn State on Nov. 28 Breakdown: The three most important games for the Spartans appear to be Oregon, Michigan and Ohio State — but all of those games are at least a month apart from one another. So, by default, the key stretch has to fall on the part of the slate that includes the Buckeyes. After all, for the past two seasons, the winner of the Big Ten has come down to MSU and OSU. And that trend could continue. Besides, outside of Michigan, the Spartans have a relatively easy conference schedule before this stretch. Their three other opponents — Purdue, Rutgers, Indiana — have combined to go 0-13 against MSU since 2007. (And, even against Michigan, the Spartans have won six times in the last seven meetings.) In other words, MSU’s biggest conference challenges come at the end of the season, during its key stretch. Even without Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska is a quality team that’s historically caused fits for MSU. (The good news is this matchup comes right after the Spartans’ bye week.) Penn State also can’t be counted out; it should once again boast a better defense than the Spartans. As for Maryland? Well …..

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