The No. 9 Michigan State Spartans (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) travel to meet the Indiana Hoosiers (2-3, 0-2) Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we look at the Michigan State vs. Indiana odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
The Spartans have been one of the biggest surprises in college football. After going just 2-5 straight up and 2-5 against the spread (ATS) last season, Sparty is a perfect 6-0 SU and 4-0-2 ATS. A strong run game has been a huge part of the resurgence, averaging 219.2 rushing yards per game to rank 22nd in the nation.
The Hoosiers were one of the biggest surprises in college football last season, but they have managed an ugly 2-3 SU/1-4 ATS mark through five outings in 2021. The offense has been subpar, and the defense is allowing 28.2 points per game, which ranks just 90th in the country.
Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Michigan State at Indiana odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 5:25 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Michigan State -205 (bet $205 to win $100) | Indiana +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
- Against the spread (ATS): Michigan State -4.5 (-108) | Indiana +4.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Michigan State at Indiana odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan State 31, Indiana 20
Money line
Michigan State (-205) is a little too expensive for my liking, costing just a bit more than two times your potential return. If MSU was at home it wouldn’t be a terrible play, but on the road, it’s a risky wager.
AVOID and look to the spread instead.
Against the spread
MICHIGAN STATE -4.5 (-108) is a great option on the road. I am never much of a fan of laying 4.5 points, but in this instance, it’s a good play. Sparty has looked like they’re running downhill all season, led by the dynamic RB Kenneth Walker III. He has 913 rushing yards with 9 touchdowns, averaging 7.1 yards per attempt.
Indiana always seems to play Michigan State tough, but the Hoosiers will be no match for the surprising Spartans at “The Rock” this Saturday.
Over/Under
OVER 48.5 (-108) is the lean here as Michigan State has racked up 31 or more points in five of its six outings. On the road, the Spartans are averaging 35.7 PPG in three tries.
Indiana has had two weeks to regroup after getting blanked 24-0 at Penn State Oct. 2. At home, the Hoosiers are averaging 40.0 PPG, including a respectable 24 points against another top-10 foe in Cincinnati.
The Over is 2-0 in two home games for IU. We’ll get another one here.
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