A week after pulling off an upset as the road team in primetime, the Michigan State Spartans are back on the road for a Saturday night matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at 8 p.m. ET on BTN (live stream it on FoxSportsGo.com).
Michigan State vs. Minnesota 2017 live stream: Start time, TV channel, and how to watch online
The Spartans are coming off a big win in Week 6, but will Minnesota be a trap game?
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Dantonio’s crew getting a win over Michigan last week isn’t entirely indicative of where the team is in terms of growth and production thanks to the monsoon-like conditions in which they played. But it was huge for momentum building, something the Spartans definitely needed.
With an early bye week this season, the Gophers are heading into the matchup at 3-2 and ranked fifth in the Big Ten West. The past two weeks have included losses for Minnesota to both Maryland — yes, to that Maryland — and Purdue.
Time, TV channel, and streaming info
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minn.
- TV: BTN
- Streaming: FoxSportsGo
- Odds: Michigan State is the favorite by 3.5 points.
Michigan State vs. Minnesota news:
- A usually tight-lipped P.J. Fleck opened up about injuries and redshirt options for Minnesota.
- Just because the odds are in its favor doesn’t mean Michigan State can’t fall victim to a trap game:
The Spartans are the more talented team, without a doubt. I mean, Michigan State’s passing defense ranks 13th in the nation and second in the Big Ten. Minnesota’s offense ranks 12th in the conference and 108th nationally, averaging just 169.8 yards per contest. Michigan State is fourth in the nation in total defense while Minnesota is 98th in total offense.
- There are lots of questions at quarterback and throughout the depth chart for the Golden Gophers:
Personally, I don’t think Conor Rhoda is cut out to quarterback in the Big Ten. Four red zone turnovers in five games is just unacceptable for a fifth-year senior.
- The Spartans’ win over Michigan was important for the future of the team and for Dantonio:
Despite a horrid 2016 season, an even worse offseason and an incredibly young football team, he led his team to yet another victory against Michigan.
Both teams boast high turnover rates, but capitalizing on them is what separates them.
It may have been pouring last Saturday in Ann Arbor, but Michigan State was still responsible for forcing five turnovers against the Wolverines. Likewise, Minnesota forced four turnovers against Purdue in just the first half of Saturday’s contest, yet it only managed to put up 14 points before the break.
Quarterback Rhoda and the offense struggled to produce in the red zone, notably when Rhoda fumbled with just 10 yards left to score. Rhoda also threw an interception last week, and with the Spartans forcing their fair share of turnovers, things have the chance to get ugly, quick.
Michigan State vs. Minnesota prediction:
The Spartans are riding high after a big win over Michigan on the road. This could be a trap game against the Gophers, but Dantonio has his team focused on getting back into the national conversation. Sparty comes away with the win.
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