NCAAF Odds – Spartans, Wolverines Renew In-State Rivalry

One of the biggest in-state rivalries in college football will be renewed on the NCAAF odds this Saturday, with the Michigan State Spartans battling the Michigan Wolverines at Ann Arbor. Adding to the intensity between these schools is the fact that both teams are perfect through five games, including one win within the Big Ten.

The Spartans have won consecutive contests against the Wolverines, however, Heisman trophy candidate Denard Robinson may have something to say to anyone from Michigan State thinking that streak may run to three this Saturday. 

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Michigan State Spartans @ Michigan Wolverines

Saturday October 9th – 3:30 PM ET

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Broadcast: ESPN

NCAAF Odds: Michigan State +4.5, Michigan -4.5

Total: 64.5 

The storylines are endless, as they often are between college rivals. For this week, the spotlight shifts to Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio, who despite suffering a heart attack in mid-September will be guiding his team from the press box this weekend. Both schools are chasing the number-two ranked Ohio State Buckeyes for Big-Ten supremacy, and while the Spartans don’t have the second-best team in the country on their schedule, an undefeated run would set up a massive finale for the Wolverines against Ohio State to end the regular season. 

NCAAF Betting Odds: What Michigan State Will Have To Do To Win? 

The Spartans will have to find a way to slow down Robinson and the third-ranked rushing game in the country to have any shot at remaining undefeated. Robinson has been on an absolute tear this season, and is now 95 rushing yards away from 1,000, as well as 87 combined yards away from 2,000. Robinson did not attempt a single pass, and rushed for negative yardage on three attempts in Michigan States’ 26-20 win over Michigan last year, and although it will be impossible to hold him down the same way a year later, containing him will be key. The Spartans are wrapping up a tough back-to-back schedule against ranked opponents, including a 10-point win over number-11 Wisconsin last weekend. 

NCAAF Odds: What Michigan Will Have To Do To Win? 

Robinson has helped key the number-three ranked rushing attack, with sophomore running back Vincent Smith providing a steadily improving average yards per carry over the past four weeks. Michigan has not allowed less than 21 points in each of their first four games, and will need their defense to pick up the tempo a bit against a Spartans’ team that has scored 30 or more points in each of their five games. 

NCAAF Odds: Outlook & Pick 

While the Spartans have reeled off consecutive wins over the Michigan Wolverines, they haven’t done so with Robinson playing as good as he has lately, and that will be the key to Michigan securing a key victory. The Big House should be rocking when these teams take to the field, and a close game should have players taking the points. 

NCAAF Odds Pick: Michigan State +4.5