Michigan Football vs Michigan State: Odds and a prediction for College Football Week 9

Michigan football will host Michigan State in a huge rivalry game on Saturday night and here is a look at the odds, as well as an early prediction against the spread.

This is one of the games we have been waiting for, Michigan football fans, and it’s now less than five full days away.

After losing a 16-point lead in East Lansing a year ago, Michigan football has been itching for the chance at some payback and the opportunity will come under the lights at the Big House.

The Wolverines are ranked No. 4 in the AP poll right now, while Michigan State is 3-4 overall and looking for a win that would save its season and get it on track to make a bowl game.

Mel Tucker is 2-0 against Jim Harbaugh and led the Spartans to an upset win as a heavy underdog back in 2020. Of course, that Michigan football team went 2-4. This one has started 7-0.

It’s going to be a fascinating matchup and the intensity will be at an all-time high. We have a whole week of pre-game coverage coming your way, but we’ll start with an early breakdown of the odds and a prediction against the spread.

Michigan Football vs Michigan State odds in Week 9

Michigan football enters the game as a 21.5-point favorite according to Fan Duel. The money line for the Wolverines is -1800 and is +920 for the Spartans. The over/under is also set at 53.5 points.

Michigan Football vs Michigan State prediction in Week 9

The line doesn’t surprise me at all. Michigan football has been dominant this season, while the Spartans have struggled to find their footing. Their pass defense is the second-worst in the Big Ten and ranks 13th in the league in yards allowed and TD passes allowed.

Michigan State also ranks 12th in rush defense and allows four yards per attempt. The Spartans have a Big Ten-low two interceptions this season, while they have thrown eight, which is tied for 11th in the Big Ten.

That being said, we know that Michigan football has a monkey on its back when it comes to MSU. The Spartans are going to be fired up and this is essentially their Super Bowl. Win, get to a bowl game and suddenly, 2022 doesn’t seem so bad.

For Michigan, this is a must-win game but the goal is essentially to go 3-1 before the Ohio State game. As long as that happens and the Buckeyes don’t lose, “The Game” will be for the Big Ten East title.

But nobody wants a repeat of last season from the Michigan perspective or for Jim Harbaugh to be 0-3 against Mel Tucker. It just can’t happen. Harbaugh even talked about how important this game was at Big Ten Media Days and you can tell the players want this win badly.

The Wolverines know this win is a must and they will deliver. However, I do think the Spartans will keep it closer than expected. Payton Thorne and his wideouts are dangerous and while Michigan will win the game, the Spartans will cover the spread and score enough to hit the over.