Michigan State Spartans are the heavy
betting favorites in this NCAAF matchup with their counterparts the Western Michigan Broncos.
spread odds betting odds handicapping pick
The Western Michigan Broncos are in transition after
record-breaking quarterback Tim Hiller graduated to the NFL. Meanwhile, the
Michigan State Spartans are still trying to move up the ranks in the Big Ten.
Both teams have something to prove in their openers, but the talent edge
clearly likes with the Spartans.
Western Michigan
Broncos @ Michigan State Spartans
College Football Betting Line: Michigan State -23.5
Total: 53.5
The Western
Michigan Broncos Can Win Because...
The Broncos may be in transition at quarterback, but the
good news is that the Spartans secondary is one of the weaker units around.
That fact alone should make it easier on Alex Carder, who takes over for
Hiller. If Carder can step into the lineup and start making plays off the bat,
the Broncos have enough weapons at wide receiver to hang around in this
shootout.
The downside to note here is that Hiller was just
15-of-39 for 111 yards and one touchdown last year, so Carder better step it up
big time.
A big factor for Western Michigan could be that all of
the pressure to win this game is on the Spartans. With a new a quarterback and
after getting blown out last year, no one is expecting them to come even close
in this one. If they can hang around for a half, the tension will really start
to mount for Michigan State in the second half.
The Michigan State
Spartans Should Win Because...
Kirk Cousins is ready to emerge as a star. Cousins did
pretty well for himself last year, becoming just the second sophomore captain
in school history and throwing 19 touchdowns and just nine interceptions, but
now he's the unquestioned leader of the team and he's basically the face of the
squad.
The offensive line has plenty of talent and that should
be the main reasons why Cousins has all day to pick apart a horrible Broncos
secondary. He'll look for Keshawn Martin regularly, who is a burgeoning
playmaker in his own right. Including him, the Spartans passing game returns
five of its top six receivers from last year.
The Broncos don't have much of a pass rush at all, so
expect Cousins and the passing game to have a field day.
This is somewhat of an important game for Spartans head
coach Mark Dantonio. A loss would be catastrophic but even a so-so win would
crank up the heat on his hot seat. His club needs to be impressive if they want
any respect in the Big Ten.
Outlook &
Football Betting odds Prediction:
Western Michigan is usually pretty steady but without
question, this is a rebuilding year and the odds on college football show this. They are going to miss Hiller at
quarterback and the Spartans won't pity them. Michigan State pummeled the
Broncos 49-14 last season and there's little reason to believe things won't be
any different.
With Dantonio feeling some heat, his Spartans need to
impress. They won't take their foot off the gas in this one and the Broncos
defensive front and secondary will provide a smooth-paved road to success.
College Football
Pick: Spartans -23.5 with full line history and NCAAF betting at SBR.