Here are our predictions for the Michigan State Spartans' season opener against Western Michigan:
Carlos Monarrez
Payton Thorne plays quarterback for Michigan State. Thorne’s dad, Jeff, is Western’s offensive coordinator. Um … awkward. But the sledding won’t too tough for the Spartans, who should show much improvement in the second year of Scottie Hazelton’s defense. Expect more trickery from Jay Johnson’s offense and big days from Jayden Reed and Jeff Thorne’s kid. The pick: MSU 36, Western Michigan 21.