Free Press sports writer Chris Solari breaks down and predicts every game on the 2017 Michigan State football schedule.

Sept. 2: MSU 27, Bowling Green 17

A much-awaited kickoff helps push 2016 into the past. The Spartans get a Falcons program that also stumbled to 4-8 a year ago after string of success since 2013. New MSU quarterback Brian Lewerke plays adequately, but the run game is heavily featured and overpowers BG.

Sept. 9: MSU 23, Western Michigan 17

Two years ago in Kalamazoo, the Spartans outlasted the Broncos, 37-24. P.J. Fleck is coaching in Minnesota, and the dynamic Zach Terrell-Corey Davis combo also is gone. Dangerous return man/cornerback Darius Phillips is, though, making special teams the must-win phase for the Spartans.

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Sept. 23: Notre Dame 16, MSU 13

Last year’s meeting in South Bend began a downward spiral for both teams. MSU won it at the point of attack, but Notre Dame returns a veteran offensive line that is the difference. However, the Irish also lost starting QB DeShone Kizer early to the NFL and his backup, Malik Zaire, to graduation transfer.

Sept. 30: Iowa 24, MSU 13

Déjà vu is starting to kick in from a year ago. A hard-fought game early gets away from the young Spartans late as Akrum Wadley and the Hawkeyes’ offensive line gets the necessary yardage, and Josey Jewell and Iowa’s defense sacks Lewerke four times. MSU heads to Michigan at 2-2.

Oct. 7: MSU 17, Michigan 14

A stunner, you say? Perhaps. However, the Wolverines are in the same position the Spartans were a year ago with a number of new faces who have not experienced this rivalry. That growth – and last year’s loss – fires up MSU defensive tackles Mike Panasiuk and Raequan Williams to set the tone in the trenches.

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Oct. 14: MSU 27, Minnesota 13

Minnesota hasn’t faced anyone through five games, so it’s a must for the Spartans to carry their intensity from a rivalry week on the road. It’s an arrival game for Lewerke, who torches the Gophers’ secondary, and Trishton Jackson begins to emerge as the season’s midpoint arrives with MSU back to 4-2.

Oct. 21: MSU 24, Indiana 17

Last year’s loss at Indiana serves as major motivation as the Spartans return for homecoming with a flourish. LJ Scott, Gerald Holmes and Madre London all score and combine for 250 rushing yards, while the defense pressures Hoosiers QB Richard Lagow after getting to him just once with no sacks last season.

Oct. 28: Northwestern 27, MSU 17

MSU’s hot streak comes an end in the Halloween weekend cold in Evanston. Wildcats running back Justin Jackson keeps up his strong season and push for offensive player of the year, while Clayton Thorson picks apart MSU’s secondary for 300 yards.

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Nov. 4: Penn State 33, MSU 17

Dantonio gives a surprise start again to QB Damion Terry in his final game against the Nittany Lions, and the senior catches them off balance early. But James Franklin unleashes a load of Saquon Barkley early and once again lets Trace McSorley air it out over the Spartans’ secondary to pull away.

Nov. 11: Ohio State 42, MSU 20

Lewerke is back under center, this time against No. 1-ranked and unbeaten Ohio State in the Horseshoe. Can he summon up shades of Bill Burke and orchestrate the upset 19 years later? No. The Buckeyes are just too loaded, J.T. Barrett is not Joe Germaine, and the Spartans are simply too young and not deep enough in falling to 5-5.

Nov. 18: MSU 28, Maryland 13

In perhaps the Spartans’ most important game since the loss to Alabama in the College Football Playoff, Lewerke shines in a repeat start against the Terps. He and Felton Davis show off their developing rapport, while Joe Bachie directs a defensive effort to give Dantonio his 10th bowl game in 11 seasons.

Nov. 25: MSU 38, Rutgers 7

All that matters after clinching a season beyond November is bowl profile, and the Spartans give Gerald Holmes the ball 35 times for 190 yards, and the seniors exit New Jersey with a chance to play in the postseason at 7-5.

Final record: 7-5

Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@chrissolari.

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