College Football Picks – Spartans Aim To Avoid Upset Loss To Upstart Owls

After destroying the in-state Western Michigan Broncos in their season opener, the Michigan State Spartans will be among many college football picks this week as they welcome their second straight opponent from a weaker conference in Florida Atlantic, which currently resides in the Sun Belt. The Owls upset UAB on the road in their season opener, and although they don’t have the power to provide an upset here, they will likely not be the cakewalk for the Spartans that Western Michigan was in the opener. 

Florida Atlantic Owls @ Michigan State Spartans

Saturday September 11, 2010 – 12:00 PM ET
Spartan Stadium, Detroit, Michigan
Broadcast: ESPNU

College Football Betting Odds: Florida Atlantic +28, Michigan State -28
Total: 54 

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What Florida Atlantic Will Have To Do To Win 

Superior talent at the skill positions on offense and a challenging defense have head coach Howard Schnellenberger’s Owls projected as one of the favorites in the SBC, but few would have predicted Florida Atlantic would come out of the gate flying high with a close 32-31 win on the road at UAB. The Owls have the makeup of a team capable of playing spoiler against bigger conference teams, but were 0-4 outside of the conference a year ago, and last week’s win may have been the season-high for games against bigger teams. Quarterback Jeff Van Camp aired it out for three touchdowns and 254 yards against the Blazers, but will have to overcome a much tougher test in a solid Spartans’ defense if they want to pay off the college football picks. 

What Michigan State Will Have To Do To Win 

With the exception of allowing a couple of long touchdown drives to the Broncos, Michigan State played a solid game against their in-state rivals. It was no surprise to see running backs Le’Vonn Bell and Edwin Baker lead the way on offense for the Spartans, combined for 258 yards and four touchdowns on the ground while averaging over ten yards per carry. Kirk Cousins played mistake-free football throwing for 186 yards and a touchdown, and will only need to do the same for another victory this week. The ground game is what paces Michigan State, so expect for a heavy dose of running to bury that Owls. The Spartans open the season with five straight home games, but won’t get a real challenge until next week when they host Notre Dame on national television. There is little reason to believe that Michigan State can’t open with four straight wins before meeting number-11 Wisconsin at home in week five.  

Outlook & Pick 

While the Owls provided one of a few week one upsets by slaying UAB in their opener, this challenge will be a little tougher, and it is unreasonable to think that Florida Atlantic can do anything more than try to stay close in this one. Michigan State set the tone for their season with a blowout win in the opener, and will likely try to duplicate that effort as they prepare for the national spotlight the following weekend. 

College Football Picks: Michigan State – 28.5