Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Sparty Stun J.J. McCarthy, Wolverines?
Michigan State stumbles into their annual rivalry with the Michigan Wolverines on a four game losing streak and a disastrous scandal involving their former head coach. Can they right the ship in a showdown with their in-state foe? Jason Radowitz gives his prediction for Michigan vs. Michigan State.
Jason Radowitz - October 16, 2023, 9:27 AM EDT
5 minMichigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Sparty Stun J.J. McCarthy, Wolverines?
The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry is rich.
But one team is trending up, and the other is trending down.
Michigan is ranked No. 2 in the nation with a 7-0 record. Meanwhile, Michigan State is 2-4 after choking away an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter to Rutgers.
Also, don't forget Mel Tucker was fired in the middle of the season.
The Spartans have a new quarterback under center. They'll also wake up ready to go against Michigan in this crazy rivalry. Will they shock the world and defeat Michigan in East Lansing?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's Big Ten rivalry matchup between the Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: October 21, 2023
- Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: NBC
Michigan vs. Michigan State Odds
- Spread: Michigan -25 (-110), Michigan State +25 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 48 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Michigan (-3200), Michigan State (+1400)
Michigan vs. Michigan State Injury Report
Michigan
Questionable: TE Martin Kelin (Undisclosed), LB Kalel Mullings (Undisclosed)
Out: WR Logan Forbes (Undisclosed), LB Jimmy Rolder (Undisclosed), RB CJ Stokes (Undisclosed)
Michigan State
Questionable: OL Cole Dellinger (Undisclosed), DB Jaden Mangham (Undisclosed), RB Joseph Martinez (Undisclosed), TE Jack Nickel (Undisclosed), RB Jordan Simmons (Undisclosed), DL Ken Talley (Undisclosed)
Out: OL Gavin Broscious (Knee), LB Quavian Carter (Undisclosed), LB Ma'a Gaoteote (Undisclosed), Alex VanSumeren (Undisclosed)
Michigan vs. Michigan State Prediction
The Michigan State Spartans haven't had good quarterback play this year. They began with Noah Kim and then gave the keys to Katin Houser, who wasn't all that great against Rutgers.
However, Houser gave the Spartans a chance on Saturday against Rutgers. He didn't throw an interception despite being close multiple times.
Houser threw for 133 yards and two touchdowns, but averaged 4.6 yards per attempt.
The offense has averaged 350.3 yards per game, with 118.7 yards coming on the ground. The Spartans have had the most success on the ground this season. Nathan Carter has rumbled for 529 yards on 113 carries. But Michigan has only allowed 91 yards on the ground this season. They've also held teams to 233.1 yards per game this year.
Michigan's defense has been elite in every single category. While they truly haven't faced many difficult teams this season, Michigan State's offense isn't much better than their recent opponents.
On the other hand, the Wolverines have added 413.7 yards per game this season behind J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy is now second in Heisman odds. He's thrown for over 1,500 yards with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions.
McCarthy has great assistance in the rushing attack, as Blake Corum has run for 546 yards on the ground and 12 touchdowns. The run game has added 182 yards per game. Now, they'll take on a Michigan State defense that has only allowed 114.8 yards per game on the ground this season.
The Spartans have an underrated run defense. They're just missing a lot of tackles and aren't nearly as elite in the other areas defensively.
I like Michigan to win this game. But in a rivalry game, with Michigan State at home, I'll take the points. The Spartans have to limit turnovers and play complementary football. They'll also have to limit possessions. They'll at least have a chance to cover against the spread
Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans Pick
- PICK: Michigan State +25 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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