PICKING THE GAME

Carlos Monarrez

Mel Tucker’s road to redemption starts with a favorable matchup against a Chippewas team that’s adapting to roster turnover after quarterback Daniel Richardson transferred to Florida Atlantic. An entrenched QB transferring? Outlandish! Should be a relatively easy win for the Spartans, no matter who’s chucking the ball. The pick: MSU 27, CMU 17.

Rainer Sabin

After a 5-7 season, there are so many questions within the margins of MSU’s roster. Some get answered Friday. Others don’t. But in the end, the Spartans outlast an opponent that has occasionally given them fits to start their 2023 campaign on the right foot. The pick: MSU 26, CMU 17.

Jeff Seidel

A loss would cause five-alarm fire status. That won’t happen, but breaking in a new quarterback is never smooth. Expect some growing pains. The pick: MSU 28, CMU 17.

Chris Solari

The Chippewas’ defense makes things uncomfortable all night for the two new quarterbacks. Conversely, so does the Spartans’ aggressive front seven for CMU. But Carter turns in a strong game on the ground, and MSU’s defense generates two critical turnovers to set up put-away scores in the second half. The pick: MSU 24, CMU 14.

Shawn Windsor

CMU is coming off a down year and isn’t expected to be much better this season. MSU is coming off a down year and isn’t expected to be much better this season. A toss-up? Nah, the Spartans still have more talent, and are home, and despite their coach’s recent downer act, should win comfortably, no matter who their starting quarterback is. pick: MSU 27, CMU 13.