– Last Updated on December 22, 2022 3:19 pm
Free Week 7 Prediction: Wildcats vs. Spartans Odds
Looking for Northwestern Wildcats vs. Michigan State Spartans free picks? Week 7 College football betting sees the Wildcats taking on the Spartans Saturday October 15th at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football predictions.
Week 7
(2-3) Northwestern Wildcats vs. Michigan State Spartans (2-3)
Date: Saturday, October 15th
Time: 3:30 pm EST
Venue: Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan
NCAA Football Spread: Michigan State -6
NCAA Betting Total: 43
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It was expected that Michigan State may struggle after graduating a majority of their contributing players from last season.
But, I doubt people expected them to be 2-3 going into the game against Northwestern following three straight losses.
After upsetting then ranked Notre Dame on the road, the Spartans were manhandled at home by Wisconsin.
Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern is typically a confusing team to figure out and this year proves to be no different.
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After losing Week 2 to Illinois State, the Wildcats won in their last game two weeks ago at Iowa to even their Big 10 record at 1-1.
They have won with defense most times in the past but last game at Iowa they won with offense.
After averaging 16.3 points per game in their first 4, Northwestern exploded for 38 two weeks ago in their win at Iowa.
Northwestern last played Michigan State in 2013 and lost 30-6 at home. In fact, the home team has lost 8 of the last 10 matchups between the two teams.
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The Wildcats have used the same quarterback-running back duo of Clayton Thorson and Justin Jackson from last season but neither progressed this season as the team had hoped.
Thorson is completing just 54.4 percent of his passes and Jackson is averaging 4.7 yards per carry but has just 4 touchdowns in 5 games.
They will need something out of the ordinary from both of them to pull something off against the great Michigan State defense.
Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans have lost three straight games including two at home and are looking very weak after going to the College Football Playoff last season.
They historically rely on their defense to win games but that has been even more necessary this season as their offense has struggled mightily.
The inconsistent play of Tyler O’Connor at quarterback hasn’t helped and the normally explosive running game is averaging just 4 yards per carry on 192 attempts.
O’Connor has thrown 5 interceptions in 5 games and is averaging just 7.6 yards per attempt.
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So, the Spartan offense is certainly not going to thrive off of explosive plays. They will lead long drives and you can imagine the playcalling will be designed to limit turnover opportunities for O’Connor.
The Spartan defense has done their part – often on the field for chunks of quarters as the offense struggles.
The defense should hold up well against a very inconsistent and stagnant Northwestern offense.
Michigan State’s playoff hopes are long gone but this season is not lost and Mark D’Antonio will certainly not let his guys roll over.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- The road team is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 matchups between the two teams.
- Under is 20-7 in Northwestern’s last 27 games on grass.
- Michigan State is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games.
- Road team is 8-2 SU in the last 10 meetings between the two teams.
Free Week 7 NCAA Football Prediction
I don’t think Michigan State’s start is any sort of fluke. They just don’t have the talent that they are used to having. The guys are inexperienced but will eventually develop into their expected production.
In the meantime, the Spartans will rely on defense to win.
4* Free NCAA Betting Pick: Game total under 43
Northwestern could keep it close enough to cover or even steal a win on the road but either way, it will be very low scoring.
Week 7 Free Score Prediction: Michigan State 20 – Northwestern 10
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