The Michigan State Spartans will host the Western Michigan Broncos to begin the 2022 season on Friday. Kickoff at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., is 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Michigan State vs. Western Michigan odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Spartans concluded last season with an 11-2 record after going 2-5 in Mel Tucker’s 1st year as coach in 2020. While Michigan State lost RB Kenneth Walker III, the offense is returning Payton Thorne at quarterback following a positive campaign in 2021.
Broncos coach Tim Lester enters his 6th year at Western Michigan. The Broncos went 8-5 in 2021, the most wins Lester has won during his tenure with the program (32-25 overall). Jack Salopek is expected to make his 1st collegiate start at quarterback Friday vs. the Spartans.
Michigan State is No. 14 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
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Western Michigan at Michigan State odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:31 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Western Michigan +850 (bet $100 to win $850) | Michigan State -1800 (bet $1800 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan +21.5 (-108) | Michigan State -21.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Western Michigan at Michigan State picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan State 41, Western Michigan 17
Money line
Given the drastic odds in favor of the Spartans, it’s good to PASS on the money line in this contest. Putting $1,000 on Michigan State would net only $55.56, making it an uninspiring wager. The Spartans should be able to come away with a victory over the Broncos to begin the season, but betting on them to win at their current odds isn’t advisable.
Against the spread
Even with the massive spread, MICHIGAN STATE -21.5 (-112) is worth taking. The Spartans are ranked for a reason and Tucker has his team in a position to carry on from where the program left off in 2021. Also, Salopek is an inexperienced QB making a road start, so I lean toward a lopsided win in favor of Michigan State.
Also, Western Michigan is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Friday games and they are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Big Ten matchups. Meanwhile, Michigan State is 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games and they’re 5-0-2 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Over/Under
The OVER 54.5 (-108) appears to be a solid play in this contest, especially with Michigan State returning a majority of their offensive starters from a season ago. Western Michigan’s defense was a weakness in 2021 as they allowed 30.6 points per game.
Both of these teams averaged 31-plus points per game scoring last season and the defense of the Spartans is expected to be much improved in 2022. Michigan State could score most of the points in the matchup while Western Michigan could score enough points in garbage time to reach the over.
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