NCAA Football Game of the Week – Michigan Wolverines at Michigan State Spartans
Michigan Wolverines @ Michigan State Spartans
Saturday October 3 – Spartan Stadium – 12:00 PM ET
Line: Michigan State – 2.5, O/U: 57
Michigan: The Week That Was
The Michigan Wolverines are 4-0 for the first time since 2006 after pulling out a dramatic 36-33 victory at the big house against Indiana. Unfortunately, as 20-point home favorites winning by three is not that impressive and that is probably why the Wolverines are underdogs in their first road test of the season.
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Like he did in the Notre Dame win, Tate Forcier was great in the fourth quarter throwing the winning touchdown with less than three minutes to go in the fourth quarter. The Wolverines will not disclose just how injured Forcier’s shoulder is heading into this week.
Michigan State Week That Was
It was another tough loss for the Spartans who were impressive on offense, especially through the air, but suffered a 38-30 loss at Wisconsin. The running game has been an issue all year for Michigan State and there really hasn’t been a replacement for running back Javon Ringer, who now plays with the Tennessee Titans.
On a positive note the Spartans did not quit after falling behind 38-17 and did make it a competitive game. In three straight losses the Spartans have given up an average of over 30 points-per-game.
The Week That Is:
While it would be easy to take the points with the undefeated Wolverines against the 1-3 Spartans, this game smells like a trap for the visitors. The Spartans have 2 healthy quarterbacks who are playing well in Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol. Michigan State’s biggest problem has been their secondary that has given up a Big Ten worst ten touchdowns through the air.
Unfortunately for Michigan they will not be able to fully exploit the Spartan secondary with Forcier not completely healthy. If his arm isn’t strong, the Wolverines will be a run-oriented team on Saturday. Despite the 4-0 start Michigan has many question marks defensively after giving up 33 points at home to a very average Indiana team.
The Spartans won last year at the big house 35-21 and have never lost four in a row ATS under head coach Mark D’Antonio. The Wolverines have historically struggled in their road conference opener and look for the Spartans to snap their three game slide (overall) with a home victory.
Pick: Michigan State -2.5 & Over 57