NCAAF Picks: Utter violent domination is the memory of Michigan State’s 29-6 strangulation of Michigan last year. The Spartans threw the soft Wolverines around like ragdolls with merciless brutality and there is little evidence as to why that will not again be the case in 2014. Michigan head coach Brady Hoke desperately needs a win over “Little Brother” Sparty if he is to cool the heat off of his seat.
The Spartans will host the Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on Saturday with coverage on ABC starting at 3:30 PM ET. Michigan State opened as a prohibitive 15-point favorite.
Go Green!
Michigan State is 6-1 straight up, 4-3 against the spread, and 6-1 over the total after last week’s 56-17 payout at Indiana. Sparty ranks ninth in the nation for total defense and third for scoring offense which is a look that has made them the favorite to repeat as Big Ten Champions. The offense has emerged as an asset with QB Connor Cook compiling as 164 QB rating with a 16-5 TD-INT ratio.
Dazed and Feeling Blue
Michigan is 3-4 SU, 3-4 ATS, and 3-4 under the total. The Wolverines are coming off a bye that followed an 18-13 home payout over Penn State. Michigan fans are in total revolt demanding the firing of athletic director Dave Brandon for “corporatizing” their tradition laden program while Hoke is under fire for having worse records in each of his four seasons as head coach. The offense has been a debacle and ranks 113th overall in the nation. The lack of offense begins with an offensive line that was supposed to be the foundation of Hoke’s program but instead has been rendered helpless against quality defenses. Michigan does rank 10th in the nation for total defense.
Matchup and Pick
Michigan has paid out in just three out of their last eight away games with five out of their last six away games going under the total.
Michigan State has paid out in seven out of their last 10 home games with 13 out of their last 20 home games going under the total.
Michigan State has dominated this head to head series with six consecutive payouts against Michigan. The Spartans and Wolverines have gone under the total in their last five meetings. Michigan State (-15) and under is the call.
