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ESPN’s FPI predicts winner of Akron-Michigan State in Week 2

Grant Bricker

By Grant Bricker

Published:

ESPN’s FPI has picked a winner for the Akron-Michigan State meeting that’s taking place in Week 2. The Spartans will be defending their home once again.

Mel Tucker coached his team to a win over Western Michigan in Week 1, winning 35-13. There were multiple storylines from that game. Payton Thorne faced his dad, Jeff Thorne, who is the offensive coordinator at Western Michigan. Jalen Berger and Jacoby Windmon also made their debuts for the Spartans after coming to East Lansing from the transfer portal.

The Football Power Index is leaning towards Michigan State. It’s giving the Spartans a 98.5% chance to win against Akron.

Michigan State and Akron have played just 2 times before now. Once in 1913 and 1914, and Michigan State has won both times.

Akron is coming off of a 30-23 win against St. Francis (PA) in overtime. This will be Joe Moorhead’s 2nd game as the head coach of Akron. Most recently, Moorhead was an assistant at Penn State (2016-2017), Mississippi State’s HC (2018-2019), and an assistant at Oregon (2020-2021).

The 1st B1G opponent for Michigan State will be Minnesota on Sept. 24. Before that, they will face former Indiana QB Michael Penix Jr. at Washington on Sept. 17.

Michigan State and Akron face each other on Sept. 10 at 4 p.m. ET on BTN.

Grant Bricker

Grant Bricker covers the B1G for Saturday Tradition. His previous stops include the Williamson Homepage and Nashville Post.