The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-2) and No. 16 Michigan State Spartans (4-0) meet for a Saturday night non-conference tilt at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Western Kentucky vs. Michigan State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the USA Today Sports AFCA Coaches Poll .
Western Kentucky heads to East Lansing off back-to-back losses, but they were setbacks by a combined 5 points. A week ago, WKU battled back from a 20-7 deficit late in the first half to twice get within two of the host Indiana Hoosiers. IU would win the game, 33-31, in an offensive tussle that featured 965 total yards (458 for the Hilltoppers).
The Spartans defeated Nebraska, 23-20, last week compiling three straight multi-score-margin wins the first three weeks of the season. The Cornhuskers led last week’s game, 20-13, with 7:29 remaining. Michigan State scored a touchdown to tie the game in regulation and then won the home contest on a field goal. MSU was outgained, 442 yards to 254.
Western Kentucky at Michigan State odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Western Kentucky +300 (bet $100 to win $300) | Michigan State -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky +10.5 (-108) | Michigan State -10.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 65.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Western Kentucky at Michigan State odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan State 35, Western Kentucky 17
Money line
PASS: shoot for more leverage against the number.
Against the spread
The way this line lays gives the impression the public is too taken with Western Kentucky’s offense. Looking at what the Hilltoppers have done and against whom, pegging them within two touchdowns of Michigan State opens up profit potential in taking the home side.
The ‘Toppers scored 14 points or less in six of their last nine games in 2020. Their 31 points and 458 total yards against Indiana last week stand out, but this MSU defense is a level (or two up). Analytic assessments will figure Michigan State as being overrated at No. 16 nationally, but the Spartans have a big-boy defense.
Look for MSU to defend its home turf in a night game. And a three-score game seems more likely than a one-score game. BACK THE SPARTANS -10.5 (-112).
Over/Under
The Spartans ran the ball for 190-plus yards in each of their first three games. Look for some second-half game control with a couple extra MSU scores in the bank. Weather-wise, a bit of a breeze and enough of a chance of rain mix in to make the Under a solid-leverage play.
TAKE THE UNDER 65.5 (-108).
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