A four-game losing streak has the Michigan State Spartans searching for answers and their next chance to find them comes against the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday. Wisconsin has struggled in conference play, posting a 1-2 record, but the race for the Big Ten West division title is far from over.
Wisconsin vs Michigan State Odds
Wisconsin enters this contest as a -310 road favorite on the moneyline (7.5-point spread), according to FanDuel Sportsbook's'college football odds. This Big Ten showdown's total is set at 49.5 points.
What should college football fans expect to happen in this game, and where can bettors find value?
Wisconsin vs Michigan State Prediction and Best Bet
It cannot be understated how well Wisconsin played in Week 6. After the firing of head coach Pau l Chryst, many people expected the Badgers to come out sluggish against Northwestern. Instead, they came out swinging and quarterback Graham Mertz logged 5 passing touchdowns in a 42-7 victory.
Meanwhile, the Spartans have scored less than 21 points and tallied less than 50 rushing yards in three of their last four games. Seeing that change against the Badgers in Week 7 would be shocking. Wisconsin is allowing 23.4 points per game (T-No. 42 in FBS) and 3.8 yards per carry (T-No. 43 in FBS).
What wouldn't be surprising is seeing the Badgers keep their recent momentum on offense going against the Spartans. Michigan State is allowing the most passing yards per game in the Big Ten (292.0) as well as 12.3 yards per completion (T-No. 79 in FBS). Mertz is going to have a ma ssive day.
Michigan State is 2-5 against the spread in its last seven games against a Big Ten opponent, so fans can feel comfortable trusting Wisconsin to cover -7.5. As for the point total, the over has hit in nine of the last 13 head-to-head meetings between the Spartans and Badgers. Back over 49.5 points.