Michigan State football predictions 2018: Week 2 at Arizona State

EAST LANSING — Michigan State football has to wait more than three months before it can begin its quest for a Big Ten championship — and perhaps beyond.

That does not mean we can’t look ahead.

The Spartans’ seven-home/five-away schedule is favorable for the most part, with a daunting early September trip to the desert heat at Arizona State and a game at Penn State that could well decide the Big Ten East Division champion. MSU also welcomes both Michigan and Ohio State to Spartan Stadium and avoids West Division-favorite Wisconsin again.

Here’s a game-by-game look at the Spartans’ season.

Sept. 8: At Arizona State Sun Devils

Where: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona.

Last year’s record: 7-6, 6-3 Pac-12.

Postseason: Lost 52-31 to North Carolina State in Sun Bowl.

Head coach: Herm Edwards, first season.

Players to watch: QB Manny Wilkins, WR N’Keal Harry, CB Chase Lucas.

About the opponent: A former NFL cornerback, coach and broadcaster, Edwards arrives as the “CEO” of the program after Todd Grantham was fired. How the defensive-minded Edwards translates to college — particularly with a Sun Devils defense that allowed nearly 33 points a game a year ago — remains to be seen. Manny Wilkins, a dual-threat QB, posted 27 total touchdowns, while top target N’Keal Harry could be the first receiver taken in the 2019 draft.

Prediction: MSU 27, Arizona State 21.

MORE:Michigan State football schedule 2018: Meet the Utah State Aggies

MORE:Michigan State football's 2018 depth chart and spring game analysis