Washington vs. Michigan State Prediction, Pick, Odds: How Will Spartans Play Without Mel Tucker?
Washington vs. Michigan State prediction and pick for Week 3 in college football. With Mel Tucker out for the foreseeable future, how will the Spartans respond? Jason Radowitz breaks it all down here.
Jason Radowitz - September 11, 2023, 10:21 AM EDT
3 minWashington vs. Michigan State Prediction, Pick, Odds: How Will Spartans Play Without Mel Tucker?
Some unfortunate news hit the media outlets over the weekend. I won't get into the specifics. You can read the USA Today article. However, Mel Tucker won't coach another game for the Michigan State Spartans. He's suspended without pay. The Spartans could start seeing many transfers in the next couple of weeks. The student-athletes might not be motivated to do their best on the field due to what's happened off the field. Michigan State will welcome the Washington Huskies to town. They're a top-ten-ranked program with much potential to earn a College Football Playoff bid this season. Can the Spartans keep up with a high-powered Huskies offense?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Washington Huskies vs. Michigan State Spartans.
Washington vs. Michigan State Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: September 16, 2023
- Game Time: 5:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: Peacock
Washington vs. Michigan State Odds
- Spread: Washington -16 (-110), Michigan State +16 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 58 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Washington (-850), Michigan State (+575)
Washington vs. Michigan State Injury Report
Washington
Questionable: RB Dillon Johnson (Undisclosed), DL Armon Parker (Undisclosed), S Asa Turner (Hand)
Out: RB Cameron Davis (Lower Body), WR Giles Jackson (Thumb), Gaard Memmelaar (Undisclosed), Tybo Rogers (Suspension)
Michigan State
Questionable: RB Jalen Berger (Undisclosed), OL Gavin Broscious (Undisclosed), WR Alante Brown (Concussion), LB Ma'a Gaoteote (Undisclosed), DL Jarrett Jackson (Undisclosed), DB Harold Joiner III (Undisclosed), DB Semar Melvin (Undisclosed), OL Stanton Ramil (Undisclosed), LB Darius Snow (Leg), DL Alex VanSumeren (Undisclosed)
Washington vs. Michigan State Prediction
The Washington Huskies are an explosive offense. They scored 56 against Boise State and 43 against Tulsa in the season's first two weeks.
They've averaged 565.5 yards on offense, behind 472 yards in the air per game. Michael Penix Jr. has thrown for nearly 860 yards and eight touchdowns, with just one interception.
Penix Jr. is a Heisman candidate and has been familiar with the Big Ten throughout his time with Indiana.
Washington has only earned 93.5 yards per game on the ground. But they've still averaged 4.6 yards per carry. They would rather pass the football around.
Meanwhile, Michigan State has allowed just 206 yards per game on the defensive side of the ball. The Spartans have defeated Central Michigan and Richmond. It's nothing to get excited about. However, the run defense looks excellent, and the secondary has played well.
They've held teams to 107 yards passing and 99 yards rushing. But that won't happen against the Huskies.
The Spartans are the best against the run. However, as suggested, Washington will look to pass much more than run.
On the other hand, Washington's secondary is easily the best portion of their defense. They haven't rushed the passer all that well and don't have the best run defense. But when Washington takes the lead and grows throughout the game, Michigan State's quarterback, Noah Kim, will have to throw a lot more in the second half.
That'll only hurt Michigan State more.
Kim has a 59.4 QBR against two mediocre teams. He hasn't thrown an interception this season. But that will change on Saturday.
Let's take the Washington Huskies -16.
Washington Huskies vs. Michigan State Spartans Pick
- PICK: Washington -16 -110 (Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds)
College Football Odds
