The Akron Zips (1-0) and Michigan State Spartans (1-0) meet Saturday at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Akron at Michigan State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Zips were able to open the season with a win, although it wasn’t pretty. Akron needed overtime to sneak by St. Francis (PA) of the FCS, 30-23. Akron actually allowed 189 rushing yards and 264 passing yards to the Red Flash but posted just 98 rushing yards and 286 passing yards of its own.
The Spartans vanquished another MAC opponent, topping Western Michigan 35-13 for the narrow cover. Michigan State led just 21-13 heading to the 4th quarter but pulled away with 2 late touchdowns to seal the deal.
Michigan State is No. 11 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
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Akron at Michigan State odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:55 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Akron +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Michigan State -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Akron +34.5 (-110) | Michigan State -34.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Akron at Michigan State picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan State 52, Akron 10
Money line
Look, Akron (+1500) is horrible, and definitely in the conversation of which team is the worst FBS program in the nation right now. But Michigan State (-10000) will cost you $100 for every $1 won. There is no way to ever justify betting that kind of a heavy favorite, although people still choose to do so.
AVOID.
Against the spread
MICHIGAN STATE -34.5 (-110) is going to crush Akron, and the Zips are going to provide very little resistance.
QB Payton Thorne and the Michigan State passing attack should have a healthy amount of yards and several touchdowns against an Akron defense that was thrashed by an FCS opponent on its own field.
Over/Under
OVER 55.5 (-110) could potentially be handled by Michigan State with little to no help from Akron. The Spartans have the offensive weapons to go for a 60-burger, although coach Mel Tucker Jr. is likely to call off the dogs since he is a classy coach. Still, don’t be surprised to see at least 40-45 points on the board by halftime.
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