Michigan State at Purdue: 11/6/21 College Football Picks and Prediction
Photo by Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Purdue Boilermakers (5-3) vs Michigan State Spartans (8-0)
Game Info: Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 3:30 pm (Ross-Ade Stadium)
Betting Odds: Purdue Boilermakers +3 -- Over/Under: 52 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The 3rd ranked Michigan State Spartans will travel to Ross-Ade Stadium to take on the Purdue Boilermakers this Saturday afternoon in College Football action.
The 3rd ranked Michigan State Spartans improved to 8-0 on the season after defeating the 6th ranked Michigan Wolverines, 37-33, this past Saturday. Michigan State trailed by a 30-14 margin midway through the 3rd quarter, however, the Spartans were able to rally and took the lead for good on a Kenneth Walker III 23-yard TD with 5:08 left in the 4th quarter. Michigan State was outgained by Michigan by a 552-395 margin, however, did force 2 turnovers in the victory. Leading the way for the Spartans was RB Kenneth Walker III who had 197 rushing yards & 5 TD on 23 carries.
On the season, Michigan State is averaging 34.6 ppg on 444.6 total yards per game (244.4 passing yds/g; 200.3 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Michigan State has been led by RB Kenneth Walker III who has 1194 rushing yards & 14 TD on 175 carries. QB Payton Thorne has completed 61.5% of his passes for 1890 yards, 15 TD, & 6 INT. The top receiving threats for the Spartans have been Jayden Reed (33 rec, 642 yards, 5 TD), Jalen Nailor (31 rec, 587 yards, 6 TD), Tre Mosley (21 rec, 321 yards), & Connor Heyward (18 rec, 155 yards).
Defensively, Michigan State is holding their opponents to an average of 20.5 ppg on 424.6 total yards per game (300.5 passing yds/g; 124.1 rushing yds/g).
The Purdue Boilermakers improved to 5-3 on the season after defeating the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 28-23, this past Saturday. Purdue did a great job defensively against Nebraska and was able to pull away after a 9-yard TD reception by Jackson Anthrop gave the Boilermakers a 28-17 lead with 10:05 left in the 4th quarter. Purdue was outgained by Nebraska by a 399-349 margin, however, won the turnover battle by a 4-0 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Boilermakers was QB Aidan O’Connell who completed 34 of 45 passes for 233 yards & 2 TD.
On the season, Purdue is averaging 22.9 ppg on 386.6 total yards per game (307.1 passing yds/g; 79.5 rushing yds/g). Purdue has been using both Aidan O’Connell (71.0 Comp %, 1551 yards, 9 TD, 8 INT) & Jack Plummer (68.3 Comp %, 862 yards, 7 TD), however, O’Connell started last week and is the projected starter for this key matchup. The top receiving threats for the Boilermakers have been David Bell (53 rec, 786 yards, 4 TD), Payne Durham (36 rec, 356 yards, 4 TD), Milton Wright (32 rec, 315 yards, 3 TD), & Jackson Anthrop (28 rec, 236 yards, TD). Leading the way for the Purdue backfield has been King Doerue who has 360 rushing yards & 1 TD on 92 carries.
Defensively, Purdue is holding their opponents to an average of 17.1 ppg on 313.8 total yards per game (174.0 passing yds/g; 139.8 rushing yds/g).
The Spartans are 3-0-2 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games. The Boilermakers are 6-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games as a home underdog.
Michigan State is coming off a huge win against in-state rival, Michigan, however, I think the Spartans are in for a huge challenge against and underrated Purdue team that is coming off an impressive road victory against Nebraska and defeated Iowa on the road by a 17-point margin. Michigan State has arguably the best offensive player in the Kenneth Walker III, however, the Purdue defense has been solid this season and as I think the Boilermakers will be able to exploit Michigan State’s 127th ranked passing defense, I think the play here is to take Purdue and the points. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Purdue Boilermakers +3
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
