Michigan vs. MSU Prediction
Can No. 6 Michigan shake its struggles with No. 24 Michigan State when the two rivals meet up this afternoon in Big Ten play at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
331 Michigan at 332 Michigan State
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Noon ET – Spartan Stadium
TV: FOX
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Michigan is favored on the road, as the Wolverines are getting odds of -7 points against the Spartans. The over/under total for the game is listed at 41 points. The public betting for this game currently has 52 percent going on Michigan on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Spartans coming off big win
The Spartans are coming off a big upset win at Penn State last week, 21-17. This came a week after suffering a 29-19 loss at home to Northwestern. MSU is now 4-2 overall, 2-1 in the Big Ten, 2-4 against the spread and 4-2 with the over. They have yet to cover at home this season.
Michigan State has been tough defensively, allowing 22.3 points and 348.7 yards per game this year. The MSU run defense is among the best in the nation, allowing just 62.3 yards per game. Offensively, Michigan State is putting up 26.2 points and 394.5 yards per game. The rushing attack hasn’t really gotten started for MSU this year. LJ Scott continues to sit out with a hamstring injury and its uncertain if he will actually return today or at all this season. Connor Heyward is actually the leading rusher with just 191 yards. Brian Lewerke has thrown for 1,587 yards and eight touchdowns this year, but also has seven interceptions while Felton Davis III has caught 31 passes for 474 yards and four scores.
Michigan comes in with momentum
The Michigan Wolverines are on a 6-game winning streak right now following a dominant 38-13 win over Wisconsin at home this past weekend. The Wolverines are now 6-1 overall, 4-0 in the Big Ten, 4-3 against the spread and 4-3 with the over/under. Michigan has covered in its last two and three of its last four.
Offensively, Michigan is putting up big numbers, averaging 38.1 points and 424 yards per game this season. Karan Higdon has been tremendous in the backfield, rushing for 687 yards and six touchdowns. Shea Patterson has provided a boost at the QB position Michigan hasn’t had in recent years. He has thrown for 1,311 yards and 10 touchdowns this year.
Michigan has a great defense that is holding opponents to only 15.4 points and 238 yards per game. Their pass defense is among the best in the country, allowing only 129.1 yards per game. Offensively, Michigan is averaging 38.1 points and 424 yards per contest.
College Football Betting Trends
Michigan State
Michigan State is just 2-5 against the spread in its last seven following a win and 1-4 ATS in its last five home games.
Michigan
The Wolverines have failed to cover in in four straight road games and they are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games in October.
Prediction:
Michigan State showed last week that, despite all the injuries, they are still a team capable of competing with the best. The Spartans have been notorious for playing down to competition, but they also play up in big games like these. Michigan has yet to prove under Jim Harbaugh that it can win big road games, especially against teams that can bring some physicality up front. The biggest stat of all in this matchup is that MSU coach Mark Dantonio is 11-0 against the spread in his career against Michigan. This man has his team ready for this rivalry.
College Football Prediction: Michigan State +7
Related: Michigan vs. Michigan State Total Prediction