On the whole Michigan State’s offense was so bad in 2018 that Mark Dantonio was forced to make changes. Due to Dantonio’s loyalty to staff, nobody was fired. However, the entire offensive coaching deck was reshuffled. Last week’s 28-7 NCAA football betting overlay win over Tulsa was a difficult read as to what to expect. MSU was decent but hardly an offensive juggernaut. In comparison Western, Michigan had an easy win over 1-AA Monmouth. The defense is always a major concern for Bronco backers. Head coach Tim Lester enters his third season looking to break out from the shadow of PJ Fleck.
Western Michigan Broncos Vs. Michigan State Spartans
| Date and Time: | Saturday, September 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan |
| Western Michigan Vs. Michigan State TV Coverage: | Big Ten Network |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Michigan | +17½ (-110) | – (-115) | +625 |  |
| Michigan State | -17½ (-110) | – | -950 | |
| ||||
Western Michigan Vs. Michigan State Overview
At the beginning of the season, Michigan State was touted as a Big Ten East Division dark horse. Always respected for physical play the Spartans worked hard all offseason on jumpstarting their offense. Western Michigan has been mediocre since their dream season of 2016 when PJ Fleck led them to the Cotton Bowl. On the whole, it’s difficult to get a read on Western Michigan’s 48-3 win over Monmouth. Indeed, this week at Spartan Stadium will be a much truer read.
Spartans Offense a Work in Progress
Last week was a new beginning for Michigan State and their revamped offense. MSU showed modest improvement in their NCAA football betting payout. To show the Spartans outgained Tulsa 303-80 in total yards with a 28-7 first down advantage. Quarterback Brian Lewerke (21-37, 192 YDS, 56.8% COMP, 5.2 AVG, 1 TD, 0 INT, 109.3 RTG) remains a work in progress. Of great concern was that a big play element was still missing. Defense remains the strength of Michigan State. Dantonio has consistently fielded nasty stop units since taking over in 2007. But more offensive production is mandatory.
Game Keys
It follows that the Michigan State offense could prove productive against the Western Michigan defense. Specifically, the Broncos defense remains an offshore betting liability. Lack of depth is another Western Michigan issue in this matchup.
Western Michigan Vs. Michigan State ATS Stats
The Broncos are:
- 5-4 against the board in road games vs. Big Ten teams
- 2-11 under the total away vs. Big Ten schools
- 11-4 with the points as a road dog
- 2-4 under the total as an away pup
- 2-3 against the spread at Michigan State
- 3-2 over the total against the Spartans at Spartan Stadium
The Spartans are:
- 5-10 against the spread as a favorite at Spartan Stadium
- 4-11 under the total as a home favorite
- 9-6 vs. the line at home against Mid-American Conference teams
- 2-5 under the total in-home matchups with the MAC
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Michigan State Spartans NCAA Football Betting Picks
On this occasion, Western Michigan faces a tough MSU defense that gives little. As was previously noted MSU struggles to provide NCAA football betting value as home chalk. It follows that Western Michigan’s weak defense will offset much of that.
Western Michigan Broncos Vs. Michigan State Spartans NCAA Football Betting Pick: Michigan State Spartans
Western Michigan Broncos Vs. Michigan State Spartans NCAA Football Betting Score Prediction: Michigan State 35, Western Michigan 10
Catch highlights of Michigan State’s win over Tulsa!