Michigan St. vs. Michigan Total Pick
Will two rivals struggle to score when No. 7 Michigan takes on Michigan State this Saturday night at 7:30PM ET? Here’s our take on the total.
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Michigan is favored at home in this game, as the Wolverines are getting odds of -10 points against the Spartans. The over/under total for this contest is listed at just 40 points. Michigan State has won three of the last four in this series and the two have hit the over in three straight meetings. Saturday’s game takes place from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It airs live on ABC.
NCAA FB QUICK LINKS: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats | Standings
Michigan State is coming off a 17-10 win over Iowa at home last week to move to 3-1 on the season and 1-0 in the Big Ten. The Spartans are 3-1 with the under, hitting it in all three wins this season. MSU’s defense is holding opponents to 18 points and 248.3 yards per game, including just 96 rushing yards per game. On offense, MSU has struggled. The Spartans average 429.5 yards per game, but only put up 24.5 points per contest. Quarterback Brian Lewerke has thrown for 963 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for 248 yards and two scores. LJ Scott has added 214 rushing yards while Felton Davis III has caught 21 passes for 256 yards and four touchdowns.
Michigan is 4-0 to start the season thanks to a 28-10 win at Purdue two weeks ago. The Wolverines are 1-0 in the Big Ten and 2-1-1 with the under. Michigan is led by its defense, as the Wolverines are giving up just 13.5 points and 203.3 yards per game. Their run defense is allowing only 69.3 yards per contest. On offense, Michigan is averaging 31.5 points and 407.3 yards per game. Wilton Speight has thrown for 581 yards and three touchdowns, but he is out this week with a back injury. John O’Korn will get the start. He has thrown for 307 yards and a touchdown. Ty Issac is leading the offense with 356 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Bet on Michigan State vs. Michigan
Oddsmakers expect a physical battle between two defenses, which it should be. However, rivalry games usually provide a few wrinkles along the way. A trick play, a defensive touchdown or a special teams blunder. The last time these two met in Ann Arbor, MSU won on the final play, which was a botched punt. This game should largely feature defensive stops, but I see both teams pulling out some tricks and getting some long scores. The total is low, so a few big plays should carry the over.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTION: MICHIGAN STATE/MICHIGAN OVER 40