Michigan State Spartans (2-0) vs Washington Huskies (2-0)
Game Info: Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 5:00 pm (Spartan Stadium)
Betting Odds: Michigan State Spartans +16.5 -- Over/Under: 55.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Washington Huskies will play the Michigan State Spartans in a non-conference game on Saturday afternoon at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. Washington defeated MSU by a score of 39-28 in Washington last season, but will have to take their passing attack on the road here.
Washington Preview
The Washington Huskies are 2-0 this season after they defeated Tulsa by a score of 43-10 in their last game. Washington led 22-3 at the half and 36-3 after three quarters, before coasting to the win in the fourth. Washington out gained Tulsa by a total of 563-318 and threw for 454 yards, but did turn the ball over twice. Washington defeated Boise State by a score of 56-19 in Week 1. The Washington offense is averaging 49.5 points per game with 472 passing yards per game and 93.5 rushing yards per game, while going 52.9% on third down conversions this year. Michael Penix Jr. has thrown for 859 yards, eight touchdowns, and one interception for the Huskies this season. Will Nixon has rushed for 78 yards, while Rome Odunze has caught 14 passes for 239 yards and two scores. The Washington defense is allowing 14.5 points against per game, but the defense doesn’t have to be great when they have one of the best passing attacks in the country.
Michigan State Preview
The Michigan State Spartans are 2-0 this year after they defeated Richmond by a score of 45-14 last week. Michigan State led this game 17-0 at halftime and 38-0 in the fourth quarter for the easy win. MSU out gained Richmond by a total of 465-193, but they did turn the ball over twice in the game. Michigan State defeated Central Michigan by a score of 31-7 in Week 1. The Michigan State offense is averaging 38 points per game with 291 passing yards per game and 144.5 rushing yards per game, while going 45.5% on third downs this year. Noah Kim has thrown for 571 yards and five touchdowns for the Spartans this season. Nathan Carter has rushed for 224 yards and four scores, while Jaron Glover has caught five passes for 135 yards. The Michigan State defense is giving up 10.5 points against per game this season.
Michigan State Spartans Team Facts
- Michigan State has won nine of its last 10 games against non-conference opponents.
- Michigan State has failed to cover the spread in 10 of its last 11 games against top-10 AP-ranked teams.
- Michigan State has won the first half in each of its last four home games against non-conference opponents.
- Each of Michigan State's last four games against AP-ranked teams at Spartan Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.
Washington Huskies Team Facts
- Washington has won each of its last seven games against non-conference opponents.
- Washington has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven games as a road favorite.
- Washington has won the first half in 12 of its last 13 games against non-conference opponents.
- Seven of Washington's last eight September games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Washington ranked T4th among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage last season (.692).
- Washington ranked 7th among FBS teams for points per game last season (39.7).
Pick
Michigan State is going to have a hard enough time trying to contain this Washington passing attack, but now they have off the field issues as well. Head Coach Mel Tucker is suspended, so the Spartans will be heading into this game with an interim head coach. Washington should be able to throw the ball all over the field in this game, as I don’t see the MSU secondary finding much success. Michigan State’s offense has looked better than expected, but they haven’t played very good competition. If there were no distractions, I think MSU had a chance to keep it close, but I am going to take Washington in this game.
David’s Pick Washington -16.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
