The FAU Owls and Michigan State Spartans open their 2024 NCAA football seasons at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the FAU vs. Michigan State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Owls begin the 2nd season under coach Tom Herman, and they look to improve upon a 4-win campaign in 2023. FAU lost all-everything WR LaJohntay Wester to Colorado via the transfer portal, but it added an assortment of skill positions to fill the void. RB CJ Campbell Jr. comes in from Florida State to handle the backfield chores.
Former Marshall QB Cam Fancher was named as the starting signal-caller for the Owls, who need to step up after managing just 23.8 points per game last season. The FAU defense was above average, and one of the reasons FAU had 4 losses by one score. It wasn’t far off from contending.
For the Spartans, it’s a season of transition. Jonathan Smith takes over as coach, and he has QB Aidan Chiles following him from Oregon State. While the offense is in good hands, Michigan State lost 3 key defenders, DTs Simeon Barrow to Miami, Derrick Harmon to Oregon and S Jaden Mangham to Michigan, after spring practice to deal Sparty a huge blow.