Way-Too-Early Prediction: Oregon (Sept. 6)

In what is arguably the biggest non-conference game in Michigan State football history, the Spartans will travel across the country to face Oregon in a game between two top 10 teams that has playoff implications.

A victory in a game of this magnitude and national exposure could solidify MSU as an elite football program. The Spartans open as a 13-point underdog.

The Competition

In recent years, Oregon has become a staple in the college football community, making it to a BCS bowl in four of the last five years. Last year, they lost road games in the Pac-12 to Arizona and Stanford, but went on to defeat Texas in the Alamo Bowl, 30-7.

Quarterback Marcus Mariota will return for his junior season at Oregon. As a whole, the Ducks are known for their offense. They are fast-paced and usually light up the scoreboard. Oregon has not lost at home since November 2012, where they fell to Stanford in overtime, 17-14.

What the Spartans Need

If Michigan State can win the turnover battle, they have a great chance of leaving Eugene, Ore. with a win. This will be the first real test for the Spartan defense, which hopes to continue their dominance after the star-studded senior class of last year has moved on to the NFL.

The best defense for the Spartans will be a good offense. In order to dominate the time of possession, running back Jeremy Langford will need 25-plus carries and quarterback Connor Cook will need continue to be cool, calm and collected under center.

Predictions

I know it is still way, way too early, but this game will certainly live up to the hype. Michigan State is due for one spectacular victory per year, and also one heartbreaking loss. One of those will come in this game.

Spartan Redzone predictions: Bradley: 28-27 Oregon | Dan: 27-24 MSU
The Pact predictions: Fino: 31-27 Oregon | Austin: 34-28 MSU | Faith: 24-21 Oregon | Yales: 21-17 MSU
Walk the Line predictions: Krier: 37-23 Oregon | Ryan: 42-27 Oregon


Bradley Allen is a multimedia journalist for Impact Sports.

Photo: David Defever/Impact Sports