5 predictions for Michigan football vs. Michigan State

J.J. McCarthy keeps the Heisman campaign alive

There has been a lot of talk about Michigan State’s third-down defense this week and for good reason because the Spartans rank third in all of college football.

They allow their opponents to convert third downs just 27 percent of the time. However, I hate to break this to Michigan State fans, but part of the reason for that is the defense is so bad on the early downs it doesn’t matter.

The pass defense ranks 11th in the Big Ten allowing 7.1 yards per pass attempt. Michigan State has also allowed the second-most touchdown passes of any Big Ten defense so far this season and ranks 64th in scoring defense.

J.J. McCarthy’s stellar play has been well-documented. He’s a legit Heisman trophy contender now and I expect him to have a typical game of around 250 total yards and multiple touchdowns, without any turnovers.