The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Michigan State Spartans clash in the first Big Ten matchup of the year Saturday at Spartan Stadium at noon E.T. We analyze the Rutgers-Michigan State college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Rutgers at Michigan State: Betting odds and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Michigan State -435 (bet $435 to win $100) | Rutgers +335 (bet $100 to win $335)
- Against the spread/ATS: Michigan State -10.5 (-110) | Rutgers +10.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Rutgers at Michigan State: Three things to know
- Rutgers has covered the spread in only three of its last 11 home games. The Knights have also lost 20 straight games against Big Ten opponents.
- Michigan State has covered the spread just once in its last eight games at home.
- Rutgers has lost 10 of its last 11 games as well and 12 straight games on the road.
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Rutgers at Michigan State: Odds, prediction, betting lines and picks
Prediction
Michigan State 31, Rutgers 10
Money line (ML)
Michigan State (-435) is a huge moneyline favorite over Rutgers (+335) and it’s not hard to see why. The Scarlet Knights have really struggled to find wins over the last three seasons as they have now lost 12 straight games on the road.
While Michigan State isn’t a powerhouse in the Big Ten right now, the Spartans should be able to win this game in convincing fashion. PASS on this money line as there isn’t enough value on either side.
Against the spread (ATS)
MICHIGAN STATE -10.5 (-110) is a two-score favorite over Rutgers Saturday afternoon. The Spartans struggled against the spread for most of last season, going 2-7 over their final nine games. Fortunately, Rutgers has been worse, as it has gone 3-8 ATS in its previous 11 games.
Look for this to be a sloppy game for both sides as it is the first action of the year, but look for Michigan State to win by double-digits as the clearly more talented team.
Over/Under (O/U)
The total for this matchup is set at 44.5 points, which feels about right considering we haven’t seen either offense this season. Look for this game to have moments of high-octane offense, but don’t expect much of it to come from Rutgers’ side of the ball.
The under has hit in 12 of the Knights’ last 17 games when they have been the underdog as they just can’t keep up on offense. Take the UNDER 44.5 (-110) here as Michigan State’s defense should be able to hold Rutgers to 10 or fewer points.
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