The Paul Bunyan Trophy is on the line again Saturday evening as the No. 4 Michigan Wolverines (7-0) host the Michigan State Spartans (3-4). Michigan is a College Football Playoff contender this season and the Wolverines have owned the head-to-head series historically, going 71-38-5 against their in-state rivals. But the Spartans have been pesky in this recently, winning two straight against Michigan and 10 of the last 14 in this series.
Kickoff from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Wolverines are 23-point favorites in the latest Michigan vs. Michigan State odds from Caesars Sportsbook. The over/under for total points is set at 55. Before finalizing any Michigan vs. Michigan State picks, be sure to check out the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Over the past six-plus years, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of almost $3,000 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Michigan State vs. Michigan and just revealed its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Now, here are several college football odds and betting lines for Michigan vs. Michigan State:
- Michigan vs. Michigan State spread: Wolverines -23
- Michigan vs. Michigan State over/under: 55 points
- Michigan vs. Michigan State money line: Michigan -2000, Michigan State +1050
- MSU: Spartans are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games in October
- MICH: Wolverines are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games vs. a team with a losing road record
- Michigan vs. Michigan State picks: See picks here
Why Michigan can cover
Jim Harbaugh's side is eyeing a second straight playoff appearance and the Wolverines haven't let much slow them this season. They've won all but one game by more than seven points and they're coming off their most complete effort of the season two weeks ago when they blasted Penn State 41-17, easily covering as 7-points favorites in that one.
The defense is stout and the offense has exceeded expectations. Sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy has completed 77.1% of his passes this year for 1,297 yards, nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. Running back Blake Corum is working himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation with 901 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground thus far.
Why Michigan State can cover
Sophomore receiver Keon Coleman is a big target (6-foot-4) who owns good ball skills to reel in contested passes. Coleman plays very physically in the blocking game and at the catch point. He's first on the team in receiving yards (393) on 31 catches and five touchdowns. In his previous game, Coleman caught five passes with 79 yards and two scores.
Senior receiver Jayden Reed is a reliable weapon due to precise route running and sure hands. Reed provides this offense with YAC ability across the middle of the field. The Illinois native has snagged 32 balls for 373 yards and three scores. Reed has logged 60-plus yards in three consecutive games.
How to make Michigan State vs. Michigan picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 59 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Michigan State vs. Michigan? And which side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its college football picks, and find out.
