Michigan Wolverines vs Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview: Lots on the Line In East Lansing as In-State Rivals Lock Horns

Those with a stake in this weekend’s Georgia-Florida matchup in Jacksonville might have a different opinion, but the top game on this week’s college football slate is in East Lansing. For the first time since 1964, Michigan and Michigan State are meeting with both teams undefeated and ranked in the top ten.

Both are enjoying success thanks to strong running games and stingy defense, so this might look like a game from the 1960s too.

Michigan is favored in this matchup, even though the Wolverines are on the road. That just gives even more fuel to the Spartans' fire.

Michigan Wolverines (7-0) vs Michigan State Spartans (7-0), FOX, 12:00 p.m. ET

Moneyline

• Michigan Wolverines -205
• Michigan State Spartans +164

Total

• OVER 49.5 (-112)
• UNDER 49.5 (-108)

Spread

• Michigan Wolverines -3.5 (-115)
• Michigan State Spartans +3.5 (-105)

College football betting odds for the Michigan Wolverines vs Michigan State Spartans matchup are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Michigan Wolverines vs Michigan State Spartans Best Bet

Michigan State +3.5

The Wolverines are winning and covering well this season, posting a 6-1 ATS record. For years they have been trying to modernize the offense, but this season they have gone in the other direction. They are fifth in the nation in rushing, and pairing that with a strong defense is leading to lots of success. I am not sure they can hang with Ohio State, but the heat seems to be off of Jim Harbaugh for now. Emphasis on for now. Losses this week and to OSU won’t sit well.

Michigan State is still in the honeymoon phase with coach Mel Tucker. Last year did not look so great, but after a few key transfers this offseason, they are competitive and trying to make a Big Ten title challenge. The Spartans are very balanced on offense and have a defense that is giving up just 20 points per game. They are less talented than Michigan overall, but they are at home and have had a week off to prepare.

Neither of these teams is likely to make the College Football Playoff, but whoever wins this game still has a shot. As a result, there is as much at stake as there ever has been in a Michigan-Michigan State matchup.

The Spartans had a lot of success against Michigan in the previous regime and won last season too. In a game that is likely to come down to the final possession, you have to go with the home side, especially when you are getting points. This one should come down to whoever makes the last big play. Or mistake.

Michigan vs Michigan State College Football Score Prediction

Michigan State 24, Michigan 19