Detroit News predictions: Michigan State vs. Central Michigan

Matt Charboneau, Angelique S. Chengelis, Bob Wojnowski and John Niyo of The Detroit News predict the outcome Saturday's Michigan State-Central Michigan game at Spartan Stadium.

Matt Charboneau: Michigan State was happy to see the triple-option attack of Air Force leave town and will be happy to face a Central Michigan offense it is more comfortable with. The key for the Spartans will be establishing a consistent running game heading into Big Ten play next week and the Chippewas will offer resistance, but not nearly enough to get anyone feeling anxious at Spartan Stadium. Michigan State 48-17

Angelique S. Chengelis: Central Michigan has defeated Michigan State three times, most recently in 2009, but those days are over. The newly installed No. 2 team in the country won’t stall and will continue its high-scoring ways. The Spartans have scored 30 points or more in 11 straight games. Michigan State 35-13

Bob Wojnowski: Central Michigan is far from a pushover, and after close losses to Syracuse and Oklahoma State, certainly will have Michigan State’s attention. The Spartans carry the added bull's–eye of their No. 2 ranking, and their defense will be tested by Chippewas QB Cooper Rush. Forget the rush, Rush passed for 430 yards against the Orangemen. The Spartans want to get their rush game going, and this would be a fine place to start. Michigan State 38-22

John Niyo: Central Michigan has struggled on the ground, and if the Chips are down, that Spartans defense isn’t going to let up. Barring a bunch more blocked punts, this one should go as expected. Michigan State 38-14