Michigan State football vs. Minnesota: Prediction, preview, how to bet

Michigan State football faces Minnesota. The Spartans are eager to prove they are better than they were at Washington. Minnesota has a better running game than Washington and a more potent passing game. MSU's pass rush might decide the game, but the secondary has to be better.

Chris Autman-Bell is out for the season with a leg injury. Minnesota's passing game is without its top target. Mohamed Ibrahim is a running back who is averaging 6.9 yards per carry. The Gophers have been ball-dominant and efficient in their first three games.

Michigan State's offensive line has to be better to run the football effectively. Minnesota has a veteran defense. Colorado had some success running the ball against the Gophers last week. Michigan State needs to average at least 3.5 to 4 yards per carry this week to avoid a problem.

Payton Thorne played well last week. He needs to be the best quarterback on the field this week at Spartan Stadium. He has developed a connection with Keon Coleman and Daniel Barker.

Michigan State football faces Minnesota on Saturday. The game is a test of character and talent. If MSU wins it, it's 3-1, 1-0 in the Big Ten and feels OK about things. If it loses, the Spartans are 2-2 and the game might be the difference between a New Year's Day Bowl game and perhaps no bowl game.

The Gophers are 3-point favorites against Michigan State. The Gopher's 3 wins are based on the luck of the schedule. Michigan's last week performance was disappointing.